Our Location:
Five blocks South of the
Lynnhaven Mall
Behind the Chick-Fil-A
Find answers and other helpful dental topics in our digital library.
Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2010
Tags
- celebrity smiles (67)
- oral health (16)
- tooth colored fillings (1)
- dental fillings (1)
- sleep apnea (2)
- cosmetic dentistry (10)
- smile makeover (2)
- orthodontic treatment (8)
- braces (9)
- orthodontics (5)
- tads (1)
- Veneers (1)
- dental implants (15)
- periodontal plastic surgery (1)
- Teeth (1)
- Virginia Beach (2)
- thumb sucking (2)
- pediatric dentistry (10)
- Partial Dentures (1)
- Tooth Replacement (3)
- Missing Teeth (3)
- diabetes (3)
- sealants (2)
- nutrition (3)
- wisdom teeth (4)
- bone grafting (3)
- oral hygiene (20)
- root canal (3)
- osteoporosis (1)
- dental hygiene (1)
- dental emergency (2)
- dental injury (5)
- teeth whitening (7)
- gum surgery (1)
- mouthguards (5)
- tooth pain (3)
- root canal treatment (3)
- oral cancer (1)
- dental injuries (1)
- tooth decay (7)
- baby teeth (2)
- dental implant (1)
- crowns (6)
- gummy smile (1)
- bridge (1)
- partial denture (2)
- cleft lip (1)
- cleft palate (1)
- oral surgery (1)
- bonding (1)
- crown lengthening (1)
- chipped teeth (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- cancer (1)
- loose teeth (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- dentures (1)
- antibiotics (1)
- porcelain veneers (2)
- pediatric care (1)
- cold sore (1)
- tmj disorders (1)
- gum disease (4)
- mouthguard (1)
- anesthesia (1)
- retainers (1)
- dental care (1)
- teeth grinding (2)
- root resorption (1)
- bad breath (2)
- fluoride (1)
- sugar (1)
- chipped tooth (2)
- sensitive teeth (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- fillings (1)
- athletic mouthguards (2)
- air abrasion (1)
- periodontal disease (1)
- toothache (1)
- x-ray (1)
- snoring (1)
- bruxism (1)
- laser dentistry (1)
- GERD (1)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- flossing (1)
- extraction (1)
- gum recession (1)
- dry mouth (1)
Dental injuries result in thousands of visits to the emergency room every year, and many of these injuries occur while engaging in sports and recreational activities. Whether playing on an organized team or joining a spontaneous game with friends, athletes are much more likely to suffer a dental injury when not wearing a mouthguard. Five national dental organizations have joined together for National Facial Protection Month to urge athletes to use a mouthguard during both practice and games.
The American Dental Association and the Academy for Sports Dentistry recommend using mouthguards for over 30 sporting activities. While it comes as no surprise that mouthguards are recommended for football, hockey and basketball, the list also includes many activities that may not immediately come to mind—among them, surfing, ultimate frisbee, skateboarding, volleyball, skiing and bicycle riding.
In short, it’s wise to protect your smile while participating in any activity where your teeth may make contact with a hard surface. A properly fitted mouthguard can prevent injuries to the teeth, mouth and jaw, and may even help protect against head and neck injuries. Even those who participate in casual recreational activities should consider a mouthguard as an insurance policy against future pain and expense.
There are three types of mouthguards: a stock mouthguard that is bought ready to use from your neighborhood store, the “boil-and-bite” type that is formed to the mouth after being softened in hot water, and a custom-made mouthguard that is available from the dental office. Although any mouthguard is better than no protection at all, the best protection and most comfortable fit comes from a mouthguard that is custom-made by your dentist.
If you have questions about preventing dental injuries, please contact our office or schedule a consultation. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Athletic Mouthguards” and “The Field-Side Guide to Dental Injuries.”