As a parent, would you let your child ride a bike or play football or hockey without a helmet? No, you would probably do everything in your power to keep your child safe from potential injury. The month of April is National Facial Protection Month, and Livonia, MI dentist Dr. James Stewart wants to discuss why an athletic mouth guard should be a part of every athlete’s uniform.
Why do I need an Athletic Mouth guard?
Mouth guards are worn inside of the mouth to protect the teeth, gums, tongue, and other oral structures from injury during physical activity. Most people believe that only athletes of contact sports need to wear a mouth guard, but athletes of all kinds are at risk for damaging their smiles. In fact, up to forty percent of sports injuries directly affect the face.
In an effort to be safe rather than sorry, the American Dental Association, the Academy of Sports Dentistry, and Dr. Stewart recommend mouth guards for athletes who participate in the following sports:
- Acrobatics
- Bandi
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Bicycling
- Boxing
- Equestrian Events
- Field Events
- Field Hockey
- Football
- Gymnastics
- Handball
- Ice Hockey
- Inline Skating
- Lacrosse
- Martial Arts
- Racquetball
- Rugby
- Shot Put
- Skateboarding
- Skiing
- Skydiving
- Soccer
- Softball
- Squash
- Surfing
- Volleyball
- Water Polo
- Weightlifting
- Wrestling
What Kind of Mouth Guard do I Need?
Depending on your specific dental needs and the level of protection you need, Dr. Stewart will help you decide which kind of mouth guard is best for you. Although inexpensive boil-and-bite mouth guards are available at most sporting goods stores, Dr. Stewart recommends custom-made mouth guards from our Livonia, MI dentist office to ensure the best fit, comfort, and protection possible.
Mouth guards are effective for athletes of all ages. Ask Dr. Stewart about an athletic mouth guard at your next appointment. To reserve an appointment, call our Livonia, Michigan dentist office at (734) 425-4400 or visit us online at jamesstewartdds.com.