Are you an athlete? If so, you should be wearing a mouth guard whenever you participate in games and practices. Football fields, basketball courts, and hockey rinks may be great places to get exercise and have fun, but they are also filled with objects that can seriously injure unprotected teeth. At Smiles by Design, we care about promoting both proper dental hygiene and ways to prevent dental emergencies.
Who Should Wear a Mouth Guard?
While wearing a mouth guard is a good idea for all athletes, it is an essential piece of safety equipment for athletes who participate in contact sports. Mouthguards provide a layer of protection in sports that present an increased risk of being hit in the mouth. Being hit with a ball, running into a goal post, and being pushed onto the ground present more than enough force to break or knock out a tooth severely. While teeth may seem strong while eating, they are quite fragile in other circumstances.
Mouth guards can also benefit patients with certain dental conditions, such as TMJ, a type of jaw disorder. TMJ affects the joint that acts as a hinge for the jaw, and it can cause jaw pain, difficulty eating, and difficulty opening or closing the jaw. Wearing a mouth guard and night can help patients with TMJ to minimize their symptoms.
How Much Will My Mouth Guard Cost?
On average, the full cost of a custom mouth guard from your dentist will be between $300 and $500. However, insurance will often cover all or part of the cost. If purchasing a custom mouth guard is not an option for you, stock mouth guards are also available at sporting goods stores and drug stores. While these mouth guards are unlikely to provide the same level of protection as custom mouth guards, as they will not fit as precisely, using any mouth guard is far better than not wearing one at all.
Caring for Your Mouth Guard
Caring for your mouth guard is relatively easy. Always clean your mouth guard before and after each practice or game with soap and water. Be sure that it is stored properly in a case whenever you are not wearing it to prevent breaking it or excessive bacteria, especially when it is in your athletic bag or locker.
At Smiles by Design, we care about helping our patients avoid injuries while living an active, healthy lifestyle. Contact us today to have your custom mouth guard made!