The Importance of Mouth Guards

Mouth guards are a must-have for many of us, but they are strongly recommended for athletes of all ages. Many sports involve a significant risk of collision and contact. Collision and contact tend to lead to dental injuries. By wearing a mouth guard, an athlete lowers their risk of dental injury.

Why is that? Well, mouth guards cushion blows to the face and minimize an athlete's chances of jaw damage and broken teeth. Mouth guards do this by absorbing the force of a collision and distributing it evenly. This ensures that the impact does not concentrate on a particular tooth or area of the face. Mouth guards are not just useful in high-contact sports (like football or boxing), but also during sporting activities with accidental contact (like basketball and soccer). Cyclists can even benefit from a good guard if they take a spill. For those worried about the cost, don't worry. Mouth guards are relatively inexpensive and can ultimately save a person money in the long run. They act as an effective preventative measure against costly dental treatments.

If you do choose to purchase a mouth guard, make sure that it fits properly and remains secure. Note: make extra sure that your upper teeth are covered. Upper teeth protrude further than lower teeth and, as a result, are at a higher risk for trauma.

If you'd like to look into getting a mouth guard, feel free to visit us. Our supportive dental team can answer any questions you may have and help you safe guard your teeth whatever your level of activity. You can call (845) 244-3082 or email drhwettels@gmail.com to schedule an appointment.