If you’re an avid player of a sport or a parent of someone who is, then you surely know how important it is to wear appropriate protective gear. Helmets, kneepads, shin guards – they can all prevent serious injury, which means you can enjoy the activities you love without having to worry. But did you know that close to half of all sports-related injuries involve the face? Your teeth are important, both for your overall health and your self-confidence. Dr. Caputo wants to make sure your smile stays safe, no matter what activities you or your little ones choose to participate in – that’s why we offer mouthguards here in our Naperville, IL office. With the help of a mouthguard, you’ll be able to run, bike, and tackle fear-free, knowing your teeth are protected from harm.
What exactly is a mouthguard?
A mouthguard is a piece of gear that when worn, covers your teeth, as well as your lips, tongue, and jaw. While rough and contact-heavy sports such as football and boxing seem like obvious choices for mouthguards, Dr. Caputo agrees with the ADA that people involved in several other sports, from gymnastics to bicycling to surfing, should also wear them (a more complete list can be found below). Mouthguards drastically reduce the amount of mouth injuries endured by athletes every year, and they’ve even been shown to reduce the severity of concussions.
Mouthguards should always be worn both at practice and in games. You shouldn’t chew on them because this can damage the material and cause discomfort for you. It should be regularly brushed and rinsed, as well. Make sure to keep regular dental appointments with Dr. Caputo when using a mouthguard, especially right before the season for your sport starts.
How do I know if I need a mouthguard?
Besides the ones already listed above, anyone who participates in these sports is urged to wear a mouthguard for their own safety by the ADA and the ASD:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Equestrian events
- Field and ice hockey
- Inline skating
- Martial arts
- Skateboarding
- Skiing
- Soccer
- Volleyball
- Water polo
- Wrestling
If you’re unsure whether you require one, please consult Dr. Caputo. In our next blog post, we’ll discuss the different types of mouthguards available to you, along with the benefits and disadvantages of each.
Call our office today to schedule a consultation visit! In addition to Naperville, we also serve patients from Bolingbrook, Aurora, Plainfield, and Romeoville.