Beacon Place Dental Group
1371 Beacon St, Ste 101
Brookline, MA 02446
(617) 738-0700
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Sports Dentistry
Prevention

A Mouthguard is Essential For Athletes To Prevent Serious Dental Damage

IMPORTANCE OF A
CUSTOM-FITTED MOUTHGUARD

In the dynamic world of sports, protecting your oral health is paramount. A custom-fitted mouthguard is a key tool in this endeavor, offering unparalleled protection against common sports-related dental injuries. Unlike over-the-counter alternatives, custom guards are tailored to fit your unique dental structure, providing optimal comfort and effectiveness.

CUSTOM-FITTED MOUTHGUARDS
Can Protect Your Smile

Mouthguards come in various types to suit different needs: Stock - Pre-formed and ready to wear, but offer minimal protection.
Boil and Bite - Molded at home for a better fit.
Custom-Fitted - Professionally made based on a dental impression, offering the best protection and comfort.

FABRICATE A CUSTOM
MOUTHGUARD

Custom-fitted mouthguards are crafted using a detailed impression of your teeth. This impression is then used to create a guard that fits snugly over your teeth and gums, ensuring maximum protection. Advanced materials and technology, such as 3D scanning, are often employed in this process for precision and durability.

KEEPING YOUR MOUTHGUARD
IN PEAK PERFORMANCE

Proper maintenance of your mouthguard is crucial. It should be rinsed before and after each use, cleaned regularly with a toothbrush and toothpaste, and stored in a ventilated container. Regular checks for wear and tear are important to maintain its protective qualities.

WHEN TO REPLACE
YOUR MOUTHGUARD

A mouthguard should be replaced if it shows signs of wear, no longer fits properly, or if there are changes in your dental structure, such as new teeth or dental work. Athletes should ideally have their mouthguard evaluated annually by their sports dentist.

CUSTOM-FITTED MOUTHGUARDS
CAN PROTECT YOUR SMILE

A customized mouth guard offers two primary benefits: enhanced athletic performance and protection for your teeth.

While over-the-counter mouth guards including those of the stock or boil and bite variety, are often very low cost, they do not provide the same level of protection as a custom mouth guard because they do not fit properly. Since store-bought mouth guards are not customized to your bite in any way, they do not account for existing dental conditions or changes that may occur in the bite such as erupting teeth. This is especially important for children and adolescents. A custom mouth guard provided by your sports dentist will account for all the unique aspects of your bite for a comfortable and effective fit.

Enhanced Athletic
Performance

    While it doesn’t seem possible that a simple mouth guard could actually improve your athletic performance, scientific studies have shown that by decreasing pressure on the teeth and jaw and opening your airway through the use of a custom-fitted mouth guard, you will see improvements in your athletic performance.

  • By reducing your ability to clench your teeth and opening your airway, your mouth guard increases airflow, which can increase strength and speed.
  • Improved airflow delays the onset of lactic acid to improve endurance.
  • Relieving pressure on your teeth and jaw and improving airflow can improve your reaction time.
  • Decreasing the stress and tension on your jaw can stabilize your head, neck, and shoulder muscles.

    • Receiving instruction in proper techniques, how to wear sports gear properly, and how to maintain equipment can also help you play better while reducing your risk of injury.

Protection
of Your Teeth

    Athletes who do not wear mouth guards are 60 times more likely to sustain a dental injury. In any sport, but in high-impact sports especially, a custom-fitted mouth guard is essential to protect your teeth from damage. Even athletes in lower-impact sports who find themselves clenching their teeth may benefit from a custom-fitted mouth guard.

  • A customized mouth guard will protect your teeth from damage due to an impact to the face and mouth.
  • Your custom-fitted mouth guard can also protect your teeth from damage caused by stress such as clenching your teeth, including chips, cracks, TMJ problems, and more.

    • According to the American Dental Association (ADA), over 200,000 oral injuries are prevented by mouth guards each year. Protecting your smile can not only prevent painful injuries but help you avoid expensive treatments typically required to fix trauma such as broken teeth and jaws.


What Is a Mouth Guard and
How Does It Work?

GuardLab® mouth guards are created with strong yet soft materials to absorb the shock of an impact to protect your teeth, mouth, and jaw from injury. At Beacon Place Dental Group, we use a 3D scanner to create custom-fitted sports guards. Your protective mouth guard can be made for your upper teeth for maximum protection or you could have a lower guard made which is better for speech and breathing.

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The Importance of a
Custom-Fitted Sports Guard

Protection Against
Dental Injuries

A custom-fitted guard provides high-level protection for teeth, gums, and jaw, distributing the force of impacts more evenly.

Improved Comfort
and Fit

Designed to fit the unique contours of an individual's mouth, ensuring comfort without irritation.

Enhanced
Performance

Focus better on the sport without worrying about the guard slipping or moving.

Better Breathing
and Communication

Allows for better airflow and clearer communication with teammates.

Long-Term Dental
Health

Prevents dental injuries, protecting long-term dental well-being and avoiding costly repairs.

Customization
Options

Can be tailored in fit and thickness, providing maximum protection and comfort.

Protecting Teeth During Contact Sports:

Mouthguards

Mouthguards are essential tools for safeguarding teeth during contact sports. Custom-fitted mouthguards, designed by sports dentists, provide superior protection and reduce the risk of dental trauma during impact.

Helmets and Face Shields

In certain sports, helmets and face shields serve as protective gear, preventing direct impact to the face and reducing the likelihood of dental injuries. Their proper usage is vital in ensuring comprehensive protection.

Preventing Dental
Sports Injuries

Education and Awareness

Coaches, athletes, and parents must be educated about the risks of dental injuries in sports. Awareness about the significance of protective gear and the implementation of preventive strategies can significantly reduce the incidence of dental trauma.

Regular Dental Check-ups

Athletes should undergo routine dental examinations to identify any pre-existing dental issues that might exacerbate during sports activities. Early detection and treatment of oral health problems can prevent potential injuries.

Proper Training and Technique

Athletes should receive proper training on maintaining correct form and technique during sporting activities. Understanding the correct way to absorb impacts can reduce the risk of dental injuries.

Sports dentistry is a vital component of comprehensive sports medicine, focusing on safeguarding athletes' oral health during rigorous physical activities. By emphasizing preventive measures, educating athletes and coaches, and promoting prompt action in case of dental injuries, the incidence of sports-related dental trauma can be significantly reduced. Implementing these practices ensures that athletes can fully enjoy the benefits of sports while preserving their dental well-being.