Sports Guards

Sports Guards in Winter Haven, FL

Despite the statistics showing the frequency of sports-related dental injuries, sports guards aren’t a requirement for most competitive sports. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), mouthguards are recommended for 29 contact and limited-contact sports, including basketball, football, baseball, and wrestling. You only have one set of permanent teeth, so the best way to protect them from serious trauma is to wear a sports guard during play.

Our general dentist can fit you for your custom sports guard in our Winter Haven office. We use high-tech dentistry to provide high-end service for every member of your family. Whether you’re in school or simply like to enjoy sports in your free time, a dental guard can keep your teeth in great shape for years to come.

Shield Your Smile From Sports-Related Mouth and Teeth Injuries

Research on the prevalence of sports-related injuries is somewhat limited, though more and more dentists are advocating for patient awareness of the risks of playing without protection. The research we do have strongly supports the need for mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from trauma.

 

The ADA cites several studies showing the risks of unprotected play. The research they collected clearly shows that athletes without mouthguards are at higher risk of:

  • Orofacial injury, including jaw fractures
  • Coronal fractures
  • Avulsions (separation of the tooth)
  • Tooth subluxations (displacement of the tooth)
  • Lacerations to the lips, cheeks, and tongue

While research is more uncertain in this area, some studies have shown concussions to be more common in players who do not wear sports mouthguards.

Customization Optimizes Protection

We are aware that cost can be an obstacle to proper protection, as custom-fitted sports guards require a larger investment than those that can be purchased over the counter. Unfortunately, it’s not accurate to say that any protection is better than no protection. 

Over-the-counter mouthguards are often flat, loose pieces of rubber or plastic that players have to clench between their teeth to keep in place. They require sustained pressure on the teeth and jaws, the player cannot talk, and the mouthguard is at risk of falling out or into the mouth. If cost is truly an issue, allow our dentist to supervise the construction of your boil-and-bite mouthguards. 

Boil-and-bite kits can be purchased from most sports stores and through online retailers. They closely adhere to the teeth, so you can speak freely. They also offer more cushion and protection from impact. Of course, boil-and-bite guards, while more protective than flat mouthguards, can’t hold a candle to custom sports guards created by your dentist. We’d love to walk you through your financing options, so complete protection is more accessible.



Play it Safe With a Custom-Fitted Sports Guard

Play sports with confidence knowing that your teeth are protected. Not only can a sports-related mouth injury knock you out of the sport while you recover, you may spend up to $20,000 on continued treatment, according to National Institute of Health (NIH) research. Help us to help you. We will custom-make your comfortable and protective sports guard, save you money on the cost of an injury, and enable you to enjoy healthy, happy teeth for a lifetime.

Call 863-508-2565 today or book online to get started.