Here’s a question from Endres Gateway Dentistry in Cincinnati: how do you maintain your dental health? The first things that come to mind are probably brushing, flossing, and getting regular dental cleanings. You might also think of diet factors such as limiting sugary drinks and getting enough calcium.
When men and women are quizzed about preventative dental care, they rarely mention athletic mouth protection. But it’s a biggie.
Don’t Be a (Grim) Statistic
Did you know that over five million people per year experience tooth injury playing sports? Many of those injuries cause a tooth to be completely knocked out. Ouch!
Not only is it painful and traumatic, but a knocked out tooth is also time-consuming and expensive to restore.
An Indispensable Part of Your Sports Gear
An inexpensive protective mouthpiece can protect teeth during sporting activities. At Endres Gateway Dentistry, we advise our patients to include mouthguards as a key part of their sports equipment. That’s right. Your mouthguard should be in your duffel along with your football cleats and pads.
Mouthguards work:
Starting in 1962, high school and collegiate football players were required to wear face guards and mouth protectors. Since this requirement, the percentage of orofacial injuries in football has dropped from approximately 50% to one-half of 1%, depending on the study cited.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry counsels parents have children use mouthguards for all organized sports. That means gymnastics, skiing, and lacrosse—not just basketball, football, and wrestling.
Kids who complain about wearing mouthguards are more likely to wear one if it is comfortable and custom-fitted. If you or your child participates in sports, speak with us about custom athletic mouthguards. It may be the most critical dental decision you make this year.
At Endres Gateway Dentistry in Cincinnati, we offer family and cosmetic dentistry, and serve patients in Blue Ash, Loveland, Montgomery OH and the surrounding area. Schedule an appointment with us today.
Contact Endres Gateway Dentistry:
513-791-8880
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
9380 Montgomery Rd Ste 204
Cincinnati, Ohio
45242
