Triangle Dentistry
Sports and physical activities offer incredible health benefits, but they also come with a risk of injury, especially to the teeth and jaw. From contact sports like football and hockey to recreational activities such as basketball or skateboarding, dental injuries are more common than many people realize. Wearing the right protective gear is essential, and custom athletic mouthguards play a major role in keeping smiles safe. A trusted ****dentist in Raleigh ****can provide professionally made protection that significantly reduces the risk of serious dental trauma. Understanding how athletic mouthguards work and why customization matters can help athletes of all ages stay protected.
Dental injuries can occur in an instant. Chipped teeth, fractures, knocked-out teeth, jaw injuries, and damage to soft tissues are all common among athletes who do not wear mouthguards. Even non-contact sports can result in accidental collisions or falls that impact the mouth. A dentist often sees patients with preventable injuries that could have been avoided with proper protection.
Not all mouthguards offer the same level of protection. Over-the-counter mouthguards are mass-produced and designed to fit a wide range of mouths, which often leads to poor comfort and inadequate protection. In contrast, custom athletic mouthguards are made using precise impressions of your teeth.
With athletic mouthguards in Raleigh, a dentist creates a guard that fits snugly, stays in place, and allows for easy breathing and speaking. This secure fit ensures better shock absorption during impact and minimizes the risk of dental injuries.
Custom mouthguards act as a cushion, absorbing and dispersing the force of impact to the mouth and jaw. This reduces the likelihood of tooth fractures, dislodged teeth, and injuries to the lips and cheeks. They also help stabilize the jaw, which can lower the risk of jaw fractures and reduce the chance of concussions related to jaw impact.
A properly fitted mouthguard provided by a dentist offers consistent protection throughout games and practices, encouraging athletes to wear it regularly without discomfort.
Athletic mouthguards are recommended for children, teens, and adults who participate in sports or recreational activities with a risk of impact. This includes football, basketball, soccer, hockey, wrestling, martial arts, and even cycling or gymnastics. Many dental professionals strongly advise young athletes to wear custom guards to protect developing teeth and prevent long-term dental complications.
Choosing athletic mouthguards ensures that athletes receive protection tailored to their sport and level of activity.
Getting a custom athletic mouthguard is simple and convenient. During a dental visit, the dentist takes impressions of the teeth and discusses the athlete’s specific needs. The mouthguard is then fabricated to provide optimal thickness, durability, and comfort.
Once completed, the dentist in Raleigh ensures the mouthguard fits correctly and provides instructions for care and maintenance. With proper cleaning and storage, custom mouthguards can last for multiple seasons.
Investing in a custom mouthguard can save athletes from costly and painful dental treatments in the future. Preventing injuries means fewer emergency dental visits, less time away from sports, and greater peace of mind for athletes and parents alike.