Sports Guards Sports mouth guards are worn over the top row of teeth during sports to help prevent an oral injury. When worn correctly, a guard can help protect against broken teeth, cut lips, and other damage to the mouth. If you wear braces or have fixed dental appliances such as a bridge on the lower jaw, the dentist may suggest a mouth guard for these teeth as well. Mouth guards are an essential part of athletic equipment for anyone participating in a sport that involves falls, bodily contact, or flying equipment. Some examples of sports requiring a guard are as follows: football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and hockey. A mouth guard is also needed if you or your child is into skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking, or basically any physical activity that might result in an injury to the mouth. Types of Mouth GuardsThere are three types of mouth guards including the following: custom-made mouth guards (especially for an athlete), which are custom-made in our dental laboratory, boil and bite mouth guards (preformed, hence can be altered), and stock mouth guards (ready to wear). Our dental professionals will help you make the right choice. The mouthguard must be resilient, tear-resistant, and comfortable. Fit is also important, and it should not restrict speech or breathing. We offer readily available dental services for multi-sport athletes needing new mouthguards every season. It is best to replace your mouth guard after each season because they wear down over time, making them less effective. Children and adolescents' mouths continue to grow. Consult with us at your biannual appointments and let us know how your sports guards are doing. Why Mouth Guards?It is estimated 20 to 25 million youths participate in competitive sports. As a result of this growth in participation levels, the incidence of injury has also increased. Our professionals have reported approximately 36% of all unintentional injuries happen to children and adolescents. Of those injuries, 10 to 20% of all sports-related injuries are maxillofacial injuries, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Once damaged, a permanent tooth does not have the ability to repair itself. Fractures of the top and root portions of a tooth can result in permanent discoloration, pain, infection, and eventual tooth loss. Wearing a sports guard can minimize childhood trauma and prevent a lifetime of dental procedures. At East Portland Dentistry we help protect that perfect smile by advising you on your best choices and providing you and your family with high-quality, durable, cleansable, and comfortable sports guards. Schedule an appointment today at (971) 484-1652. |
 Phone(971) 484-1652 HoursMonday – 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Tuesday – 7:00 am - 5:00 pm Wednesday – 8:00 am - 1:00 pm Thursday – 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Friday – 8:00 am - 5:00 pm |
