Recently Celtics basketball star, Isaiah Thomas, suffered a nasty injury to his front teeth during a play. This made me think about dental injuries and what can be done to prevent them. While not every injury can be prevented, a mouth guard can minimize the damage.
There are three basic types of mouth guards:
•Ready to wear mouth guards: This includes some mouth guards that are appropriate for wear with braces and some that are not.
•Custom mouth guards: These are made by your dentist for the best custom fit and are similar to those used by professional athletes.
When purchasing a mouth guard, look for a product that is free of sharp or jagged edges. An orthodontic mouth guard should be flexible enough on the inside to accommodate a changing smile. Mouth guards also come in many styles and price ranges.
So who needs a mouth guard?
The answer is anyone who plays a sport where there is a chance of physical contact. This includes the sports most of us think of like football, hockey, and lacrosse. It also includes sports like softball, baseball, soccer, wrestling and basketball. Finally, don’t forget to wear your mouth guard during practice. Accidents don’t just happen during the game.
Play well and play safe!
-Dr. Deborah Himelhoch
