Summer sports are just around the corner and with April being National Facial Protection Month, it is important to think about how you are protecting your teeth. Five of the nation’s top dental associations are reminding athletes and recreational sports players to wear mouth guards to protect their teeth. Mouth guards are an essential piece of athletic gear and can help prevent serious, painful facial injuries that affect the mouth and teeth.
Mouth guards at Ellis Dental
The dental experts at the Academy for Sports Dentistry (ASD), American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), and the American Dental Association (ADA) urge parents, caregivers, athletes and coaches to be proactive about staying safe by using a mouth guard. They offer the following important statistics to keep in mind as spring sports season begins:
3 – Types of mouth guards: Custom-fitted mouth guards are made by your dentist for you personally. Stock mouth guards come pre-formed and may offer a bulky fit. Boil and bite mouth guards are softened in boiling water and then inserted and allowed to adapt to the shape of your mouth.
5 – The number of top dental associations that encourage athletes and recreational sports players to wear mouth guards to keep their teeth and smiles intact.
7 to 11 – The ages during which children are most vulnerable to sports-related mouth injuries.
60 – The number of times that athletes are more likely to suffer harm to the teeth if they’re not wearing a mouth guard.
All – How many sports during which you should wear a mouth guard. Collision and contact sports may be high-risk for the mouth, but you can still experience a dental injury from other sports such as gymnastics or skating.
If you or someone you know are interested in learning more about mouth guards for you are child, feel free to talk to Dr. Ellis during next appointment and she will help you with your questions.