Mouthguards: Life-savers for your pearly whites

Sports is an important part of life for many Canadians. Here in Calgary we are blessed with our proximity to the Rockies and the many types of outdoor sports the open outdoors offers. However, while head injuries have often received media attention and brought on awareness of helmets, dental trauma is often overlooked, even though the health and financial consequences are no small matter. 

Dental trauma is one of the most serious oral health problems in active children and adolescents. One of the most effective ways of preventing dental trauma during physical activity is through a dental mouth guard or sports guard.

Mouth Guards can help prevent:

1. Fractured teeth or jaws
2. Lacerations to the lips and tongue
3. Damage to the bone surrounding teeth

Custom vs Over-the-counter Sports Guards

Over the counter sportsguards purchased in pharmacies are often lower in cost than custom sports guards, but are generally regarded as less effective by oral health professionals. These sports guards usually don’t fit well and therefore tend not to be worn when injuries occur. It's like having a pair of pants that's too tight or loose- it will likely be left in the corner of the closet.

In contrast, custom-made sports guards offer the greatest comfort, fit, durability, and protection against dental injuries. Because it is tailored to your teeth forms and mouth shape, you and/or your children will find it to be non-obtrusive wearing the guards during sporting activities.We can also customize the guard with various colors and logos of your choice!

Who should wear a Sports / Mouth Guard

People who participate in contact sports, in activities where there is a risk of a fall or contact with other players or equipment. People usually accept football or hockey as one of the more riskier sports for injuries to the mouth, yet approximately half of all sports related mouth injuries occur in basketball and baseball.

Mouth guard Storage

After wearing the mouth guard, the mouth guard should be rinsed thoroughly with cold or luke warm water. It should be stored in a plastic container to avoid damage. The use of hot water may distort the mouth guard.


 
Mouth Guards are Cool! 













Missing Teeth...maybe not so cool...