Tara Boyle Family Dentistry {Back to School. . . And Sports!}

 

Our office has been all a buzz with kiddos and their families... Coming in to get their teeth all polished and healthy before heading back to school! We have really enjoyed hearing about what everyone has been doing this summer and all the fun had. :) This time of year is full of supply shopping, organizing, new sleep schedules and some even get a new haircut for the return to school! But many of you are not only returning to studying and school schedules... but also sports! We want to make sure you are protecting those pearly white's with a mouthguard... It is so important! 

 

It is estimated by the American Dental Association that mouth guards prevent approximately 200,000 injuries each year in high school and collegiate football alone. The American Dental Association recommends wearing custom mouth guards for the following sports: acrobats, basketball, boxing, field hockey, football, gymnastics, handball, ice hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, roller hockey, rugby, shot putting, skateboarding, skiing, skydiving, soccer, squash, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, and wrestling. Other experts include baseball and softball infielders on that list. They further recommend the mouthguard to be worn during all practices and competitions.

 

 

There are a few different types of mouth guards... and we want to make sure you know and see the differences between the 3 most common options.

 

1. Boil and Bite Mouthguard: After improper improper fabrication. (note: thin material after forming)

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2. Stock Mouthguard: After several weeks of use.

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3. ***Custom Made Mouthguard: Fabricated by a dentist. *** 

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A properly fitted mouthguard must be protective, comfortable, resilient, tear resistant, odorless, tasteless, not bulky, cause minimal interference to speaking and breathing, and (possibly the most important criteria) have excellent retention, fit, and sufficient thickness in critical areas. As you can see from the pictures above... the only option that fully protects and meets requirements to best keep that smile safe is the custom mouthguard. 

 

Call our office today at 913-768-6800 if you have any questions and to reserve your 20 minute appointment to get yours made! We have colors you can choose from to match your favorite team! It is important to remember damaged teeth do not grow back. Protect that perfect smile - wear a mouthguard! :)