It can happen in an instant.

Your son or daughter only needs to take their eye off the ball for a moment. That could be the difference between a big play and broken teeth.

Everyone understands that playing sports is a great way to stay in shape along with being a fun way to pass the time. We also realize there is a certain risk of injury that comes with participating in any high-impact sport. This is why we hope all the athletes in your family are wearing athletic mouthguards whenever they practice or compete in their sports of choice.

To get a custom-made mouthguard, contact our team at Newingham Dental Center. Our mouthguards have been protecting the smiles of athletes in and around Birmingham, MI for several years.
To get one for yourself or someone you love, call 248-972-8720 for an appointment.

Protect Those Pearly Whites

The winter sports season is coming to a close, and spring sports will be taking the field soon. It’s a good time to remember that it’s never too early to protect your smile … although it can be too late.

Wearing a mouthguard makes you 60 times less likely to suffer a dental injury. The best protection comes from wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard, according to the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). You can get one of these mouthguards at our practice.

Do these cost more than the mouthguards in stores? Sure, but how much is your smile worth? Compared to the lifetime cost of repairing or replacing a tooth, a mouthguard is a small price to pay.

To understand the benefits of a custom mouthguard compared to the kind you can find in sporting goods stores, think about your car. Your car comes with standard safety equipment, including airbags and seat belts. In contrast, NASCAR drivers use five-point harnesses and wear helmets when they get on the track. The reason is they know the more secure their equipment, the more protection it provides.

The sporting goods’ store mouthguard is like your seat belt. Our custom mouthguards are like the five-point harness system.

Should You Get A Mouthguard?

If you play a high-impact sport, the answer is yes. Whether they are required or not, the ADA and other dental organizations recommend wearing mouthguards for most sports.
To be clear, high-impact sports involve one or more of the following:

  • Flying objects (e.g. balls, pucks, etc.)
  • Equipment used for swinging or striking (bats, sticks, etc.)
  • Physical contact between participants
  • Changes in speed and/or direction
  • Jumping

In the spring, this includes baseball, lacrosse, softball, and tennis for Michigan high school athletes. It’s worth noting that baseball causes more dental injuries than any other sport among children under 13 years old, according to the AAPD.

One Last Thing To Keep In Mind

Over-the-counter mouthguards can offer a level of protection. However, they also tend to be bulky. This can make it more difficult to breathe and speak while wearing these mouthguards. That can discourage some athletes from wearing them as often as they should.

A custom mouthguard from Newingham Dental Center will fit comfortably. This makes it easy to breathe, speak, and stay hydrated without taking the mouthguard out.

Before you step on the field or the court for your next practice, contact us to find out how you can get a mouthguard for yourself or someone whose smile you care about. Call 248-972-8720 or contact us online.