Why Every Athlete Needs a Mouthguard: Protect Your Teeth and Gums

Whether you play sports for fun, fitness, or competition, your smile deserves protection. While helmets and pads are often top of mind when it comes to athletic safety, many athletes overlook one essential piece of gear - a mouthguard. This small but powerful device can make a significant difference in preventing dental injuries on the field or court.

The Risk of Sports-Related Dental Injuries

Athletes are at a much higher risk for oral injuries than non-athletes. Accidental contact, falls, and collisions can result in chipped or broken teeth, lacerated gums, lip injuries, or even tooth loss. Contact sports like football, hockey, and basketball carry an especially high risk, but even non-contact sports such as skateboarding or gymnastics can lead to oral trauma.

What Is a Mouthguard?

A mouthguard is a soft, flexible dental appliance worn over your teeth during sports activities. It acts as a shock absorber, dispersing the force of impact and reducing the chance of serious injury to your teeth, lips, tongue, and jaw.

There are a few types of mouthguards:

• Stock mouthguards: Pre-formed and ready to wear, but often ill-fitting.

• Boil-and-bite mouthguards: Malleable after being softened in hot water, offering a better fit than stock versions.

• Custom mouthguards: Made by your dentist for the most precise fit and maximum protection.

Why Custom Mouthguards Are Worth It

While store-bought options may seem convenient, they often provide less protection and can interfere with breathing and speaking. A custom mouthguard, made by your dentist at Midtown Dental Center, is tailored to fit your mouth perfectly. This not only improves comfort and wearability but also provides superior protection during impact.

Additional Benefits for Athletes

Aside from preventing broken or lost teeth, wearing a mouthguard can help:

• Protect against jaw fractures

• Prevent cuts inside the mouth

• Reduce the risk of concussions by absorbing shock

• Promote confidence by allowing athletes to play without fear of oral injury

Mouthguards are essential for both kids and adults involved in sports. Young athletes, in particular, may not yet understand the long-term effects of dental trauma. Wearing a mouthguard from an early age encourages healthy habits and prevents costly dental work down the line.

Protect Your Smile at Midtown Dental Center

Your smile is an important part of who you are, on and off the field. Protecting it should be just as much a priority as practicing your game. A custom-fit mouthguard is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay safe during sports activities.

Contact Midtown Dental Center to schedule your custom mouthguard fitting and keep your smile protected all season long. Visit our office in Atlanta, Georgia, or call (404) 874-0800 to book an appointment today.