As we begin to move out of the recent pandemic, you and your children are likely starting to get more involved in athletics, sports and exercise again, One thing you should consider is an athletic mouthguard.

Your teeth can last for a lifetime with the right care, which is why you take the time to brush and floss every day. Not to mention, you see your Paducah dentist least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup to maintain a healthy smile. Although you’re taking the necessary precautions to prevent cavities and gum disease, what are you doing to protect your mouth from injuries? Here’s why you should never head out onto the soccer field or hit the bike trails without an athletic mouthguard.

Mouthguards Prevent Dental Emergencies

Did you know 1 in 6 Americans experience a dental emergency each year? According to the American Dental Association, at least 10-20% of sports-related injuries are maxillofacial. Dental injuries are the most common orofacial issues resulting from participating in a sport. In fact, an athlete is estimated to be 60 times more likely to have a dental problem if they aren’t wearing a mouthguard. You can avoid causing potentially permanent damage to your smile by using an athletic mouthguard.

A mouthguard can help to protect against a variety of dental emergencies, such as:

Broken, chipped, or fractured tooth
Dislodged tooth
Knocked-out tooth
Jaw injuries
Soft tissue injuries

Benefits of an Athletic Mouthguard

Every time you participate in a sport, there’s an estimated 10% chance of a dental injury each season. You can significantly lower your odds by using an athletic mouthguard. The custom-fit device provides a protective barrier for the teeth, gums, lips, tongue, jaw, and cheeks to reduce the likeliness or severity of an injury. Research shows it can also lessen the potential for a concussion if there’s impact to the head or face.

A mouthguard is an essential piece of protection to ensure your smile lasts forever. By preventing unnecessary injuries, you’ll reduce your overall oral health expenses to save money down the road to ensure it serves you for decades.

Safeguard Your Smile

Whether you ride your bike, play soccer, or skateboard, a mouthguard is crucial. You wouldn’t play football without a helmet, so don’t place your smile at risk. Ask your Paducah dentist, Dr. Ben Johnson about an athletic mouthguard during your next visit.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Johnson Family Dental in Paducah. You can reach us by calling (270) 554-2432 or CLICK HERE to contact us. We are conveniently located at 2913 Lone Oak Rd in Paducah, KY.