What must you always do while playing sports?  Wear a mouthguard.

Mouthguards help buffer an impact or trauma that otherwise could cause broken teeth, jaw injuries or cuts to the lip, tongue or face. As the current team dentists for the Denver Nuggets, Denver Cutthroats, University of Denver Pioneers, Colorado Rush Soccer, and the Colorado Avalanche from 1995-2009, we have seen many injuries to the teeth, mouth, jaws, head and neck of many players.  The benefits of wearing a mouthguard outweigh the risks and your health and safety is of the utmost importance to you and us.

Top 5 Reasons to Wear a Mouthguard:

  1. Helps reduce chance of concussion.  Concussions are common especially if you play sports. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that alters the way your brain functions. While the effects are usually temporary, symptoms can include headaches and problems with concentration, memory, balance and coordination.
  2. Protects jaw joints against injury.  Injury to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in the jaw is common in sports.  This joint acts as a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull.  Trauma and injury to this joint can lead to joint pain, headaches, and pain in the muscles that control the jaw.
  3. Protects soft tissues from injury.  Cuts to the lips, tongue, and cheeks can be prevented by wearing a mouthguard.  Injuries such as these can range from minor scratches to major cuts and tears in the soft tissue of the mouth.
  4. Cushions teeth against impact.  Teeth injuries can be categorized into three areas: fracture, avulsion, and luxation.  Fractures include broken teeth, chipped teeth, and root fractures. Avulsion is when the entire tooth, root included, gets knocked out. Luxation is when the tooth is still in the socket but has been knocked into a different position (right, left, backwards, forwards, or further into the gums). All three injuries require a dentist’s attention immediately.
  5. Helps prevent injuries to the jaws and neck.  Upon impact, direct and indirect forces of energy can transfer into the jaw and neck.  This transfer can cause jaw and neck pain and discomfort.

Southbridge Dentistry has extensive background in dental sports injuries.  We can provide you with custom mouthguards. Don’t hesitate to let us know how we can help you in choosing the right mouthguard or treating your dental sports injuries.