Autumn begins in the month of September, a season that promises cooler days and longer nights. But more significantly for sports fans, September marks the start of football season. Football remains America’s favorite spectator sport—and it’s also played by countless college and high school athletes, as well as those who enjoy an occasional pickup game in the back yard or on the beach. Yet, like many contact sports, football (even touch football) carries a risk of injury—and one of the areas of the body most vulnerable to injury is the mouth.
Some of the most common dental injuries in contact sports include lacerations (cuts), tooth fractures, displacement (teeth pushed deeper into or out of their sockets), knocked-out teeth, and temporomandibular joint problems. While it’s hard to pin down the exact statistics, researchers estimate that over 5 million teeth are avulsed (completely knocked out) every year in the U.S. alone—a significant number of which are due to sports injuries. It is also estimated that the lifetime cost to treat an avulsed tooth ranges from $5,000 to $20,000!
Given the prevalence of sports-related dental injuries, it’s no wonder that protective devices have been developed to minimize the risk. Properly fitted mouthguards have been shown time and again to be effective at preventing many types of dental injuries. Yet the use of devices isn’t always required by rule-making organizations—and many casual players don’t use them at all. That’s a shame, because so many of the injuries are preventable.
Custom-made mouthguards are available right here at the dental office. Strong and durable, these protective devices are specially fabricated from a model of the player’s own teeth. That means they offer the maximum protection, yet can be comfortably worn during practices, backyard games or championships—an important consideration, since accidents often happen when least expected. (And if you’re a parent of a child who plays sports, that’s probably something you already know.)
It isn’t just football players who can benefit from mouthguards: Those with a passion for soccer, basketball, baseball, martial arts, and dozens of other sports can also get the protection they need from this small (but important) item. So this season, when you’re watching or playing your favorite game, think about the extra safety and peace of mind you could gain from a custom-made mouthguard.
If you have questions about custom-made mouthguards, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can learn more by reading the Dear Doctor magazine articles “An Introduction to Sports Injuries & Dentistry” and “Athletic Mouthguards.”
Comments:
Our Office
Gina Piccioni, D.M.D. and John G. Hartmann, D.D.S.
River Forest, IL Dentist
River Forest Dental StudioOur Blog
Archive:
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2013
- 2012
- 2011
- 2010
Tags
- wisdom teeth (4)
- cosmetic dentistry (36)
- smile makeover (11)
- pediatric dentistry (10)
- thumb sucking (3)
- sinus surgery (1)
- dental implants (19)
- teeth whitening (10)
- veneers (19)
- oral health (51)
- root canal (6)
- baby teeth (2)
- crowns (5)
- oral hygiene (27)
- bad breath (5)
- common symptoms (8)
- tooth decay (18)
- sports dentistry (4)
- mouthguards (9)
- dental injuries (6)
- brushing (1)
- missing tooth (3)
- replacing teeth (3)
- dental implant (4)
- oral sedation (1)
- sedation dentistry (2)
- dental anxiety (3)
- snoring and sleep apnea (1)
- bonding (2)
- chipped tooth (4)
- tooth colored fillings (2)
- fillings (3)
- tmd (3)
- tmj (3)
- chewing gum (2)
- xylitol (1)
- celebrity smiles (51)
- nightguard (1)
- grinding teeth (1)
- sealants (1)
- sensitive teeth (2)
- dentures (7)
- periodontal (gum) disease (2)
- dental injury (5)
- dental emergency (2)
- sleep apnea (2)
- snoring (2)
- prepless veneers (1)
- tooth loss (1)
- bone grafting (4)
- tongue scraper (1)
- dental health tips (1)
- dental emergencies (4)
- dental hygienist (1)
- dental hygiene (3)
- periodontal disease (4)
- gum disease (10)
- diabetic (1)
- oral cancer (1)
- heart disease (2)
- tooth decay quiz (1)
- cambra (1)
- fun dental facts (1)
- nutrition (5)
- sugar (1)
- power bleaching (1)
- pediatric care (2)
- pregnancy (1)
- tooth wear (1)
- grinding (1)
- loose dentures (2)
- overdenture (2)
- crown (1)
- teeth grinding (2)
- cracked tooth syndrome (1)
- tooth sensitivity (1)
- invisalign (1)
- clear aligners (3)
- orthodontics (3)
- braces (9)
- orthodontic treatment (13)
- dental specialists (1)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- partial dentures (1)
- ulcers (1)
- canker sores (1)
- Dental Implant Restoration (1)
- First Dental Visit (1)
- cosmetic gum surgery (2)
- x-rays (1)
- retainers (1)
- Whiter (1)
- tooth extraction (2)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- mouth sores (2)
- dental bonding (2)
- reshaping (1)
- contouring (1)
- gummy smile (2)
- tmj disorders (1)
- root canal treatment (4)
- laser dentistry (1)
- bacteria (1)
- fluoride (1)
- flossing (1)
- chipped teeth (1)
- toothpaste (1)
- dental crowns (2)
- restorative dentistry (1)
- tooth contouring (1)
- tooth reshaping (1)
- diabetes (1)
- antibiotics (1)
- topical fluoride (1)
- tooth pain (2)
- porcelain veneers (2)
- cancer treatment (1)
- toothbrush (1)
- extractions (2)
- retainer (1)
- loose tooth (2)
- Removable Dentures (1)
- Missing Teeth (1)
- shingles (1)
- Emergency Dentist (1)
- gum surgery (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- lingual braces (1)
- gum recession (1)
- dry mouth (1)
- bridge (1)
- gerd (1)
