Why Every Athlete Should Have a Mouth Guard

When it comes to sports, your dentist will tell you that a mouth guard is an essential part of any athlete’s uniform. Whether you play a contact sport like football or prefer a solo activity like gymnastics, a mouth guard will cushion your mouth against any impact. Here are the top reasons why every athlete needs a mouth guard:

Lesson the Impact

You don’t have to be a boxer to get sidelined due to a fist, elbow, or knee to the jaw. Contact and collision sports like boxing and football pose an especially high risk for dental injuries, but skaters, bikers, and gymnasts experience their fair share of tumbles and accidents. A well-fitted mouth guard can lessen the impact of a fall and minimize the risk of injury to your face, lips, teeth, and jaw. Mouth guards typically cover the upper teeth and also protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips, and cheeks.

Shield Your Mouth

Your best option for protection is to have a mouth guard custom-fitted by your dentist, as pre-formed mouth guards can be bulky and difficult to breathe in. Having a custom mouth guard will ensure that your teeth and mouth are completely protected and that you can concentrate on the game without any discomfort.

Increase Your Performance

Did you know that clenching your teeth causes your body to produce a hormone called cortisol, which increases your heart rate and blood pressure? Unfortunately, the response this hormone produces can be distracting for an athlete. Professional and casual athletes alike can use custom mouth guards to help prevent teeth clenching, allowing them to focus more clearly on the game.

Are you interested in getting a custom mouth guard for yourself or your child? Sanford Dental Excellence combines sympathetic care with unmatched results. If you live in the greater Orlando area, stop by our Lake Mary office or call us today at 321-257-8258 to learn more about our services.