If you play sports or are involved in intense sports, you should consider using a mouthguard. A mouthguard is a soft plastic device that you place in your mouth. Boil-and-bite mouthguards are standard for sports use. But the best option to protect your teeth is a custom mouthguard from Dr. Elizabeth Duling.
She’ll take an impression of your teeth to create a custom mouthguard for sports. Custom mouthguards provide the highest level of protection with the highest quality materials.
What Do Custom Sports Mouthguards Do?
Dr. Duling will work with you to create a custom mouthguard for you or your child. Learn more about the benefits of custom mouthguards in Owens Cross Roads, AL.
Prevent Dental Trauma
The most obvious benefit of a custom mouthguard is protecting your teeth from chips, cracks, and breaks. When impact hits your face, a mouthguard spreads the force across all your teeth instead of concentrating it on just one or two. This significantly reduces the chance of serious damage.
Custom mouthguards fit snugly over your teeth without gaps or loose spots. This means they stay in place even during intense activity. Store-bought mouthguards often slip around, leaving parts of your teeth exposed and unprotected.
Dr. Duling uses durable, high-quality materials that can absorb impact better than the thin plastic used in cheaper mouthguards. This extra cushioning makes a real difference.
Prevents Tooth Loss
Knocked-out teeth are one of the most serious dental injuries an athlete can face. If a permanent tooth gets completely knocked out, it may be possible to save it if you act quickly. However, the tooth often can’t be saved, and you’ll need an expensive replacement like a dental implant.
For young athletes who still have baby teeth, losing a tooth too early can affect how permanent teeth come in. This can lead to orthodontic problems down the road.
A custom mouthguard dramatically reduces the risk of losing teeth during sports. The protection it provides can save you thousands of dollars in dental work and spare your child the pain and stress of a serious injury.
Prevents Soft Tissue Injuries
Your lips, cheeks, tongue, and gums are all vulnerable during sports. A hit to the face can cause you to bite down hard on your tongue or cheek, creating painful cuts that can require stitches. Sharp edges of broken teeth can also cut the inside of your mouth.
A custom mouthguard covers your teeth completely and provides a smooth barrier between your teeth and soft tissues. This prevents accidental biting injuries and protects your mouth from cuts and lacerations.
Athletes at Cove Family Dentistry who wear custom mouthguards report fewer mouth injuries overall. They can play confidently knowing their entire mouth is protected.
Better Fit Means Better Comfort
One reason athletes skip wearing mouthguards is discomfort. Store-bought mouthguards are often bulky and don’t fit well. They can make it hard to breathe, difficult to talk, and uncomfortable to keep in your mouth. Many young athletes take them out during games because they’re so annoying.
Custom mouthguards made by Dr. Duling are different. Because they’re created from an exact mold of your teeth, they fit precisely. They’re not bulky or uncomfortable. Athletes can breathe easily, drink water, and even talk to teammates without removing their mouthguard.
Improves Athletic Performance
You might be surprised to learn that a properly fitted mouthguard can actually help athletic performance. When your mouthguard fits well, you can breathe normally and maintain focus on your game instead of being distracted by discomfort.
Some research suggests that wearing a mouthguard may improve strength and endurance slightly by optimizing jaw alignment. While this isn’t the main reason to wear one, it’s a nice bonus that your mouthguard might give you a slight competitive edge.
Lasts Longer and Saves Money
Custom mouthguards are made from higher-quality materials than store-bought options. They’re built to last an entire sports season or longer with proper care. While the upfront cost is higher, you’re not constantly replacing cheap mouthguards that wear out quickly.
More importantly, the superior protection of a custom mouthguard can save you thousands of dollars in dental bills. Fixing a broken tooth, replacing a knocked-out tooth, or treating jaw injuries is far more expensive than investing in a quality mouthguard.
Dr. Duling views custom mouthguards as preventive care. Stopping one injury pays for the mouthguard many times over.
Protect Your Athlete’s Smile in Owens Cross Roads
Sports are an important part of childhood and help kids stay active, build confidence, and learn teamwork. But injuries are always a risk. A custom sports mouthguard from Cove Family Dentistry protects your child’s teeth, jaw, and overall oral health so they can play safely.
Dr. Elizabeth Duling serves families throughout Owens Cross Roads, Huntsville, Madison, Harvest, and the surrounding areas. As a mother herself, she understands the importance of keeping kids safe while they enjoy the activities they love. Call 256-534-1475 or request an appointment online.