Protecting your mouth while participating in sports is essential. Injuries to the mouth and jaw are some of the most common sports injuries. In fact, some studies show that more than 30% of all mouth injuries are sports-related. Sports mouthguards help protect your teeth and gums. If you participate in basketball, boxing, hockey, football, gymnastics, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, rugby, track and field, skateboarding, skiing and snowboarding, skydiving, soccer, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting or wrestling, it is recommended by the American Dental Association that you wear a mouthguard. At Monokian Dentistry, we work with local labs to craft custom mouthguards for patients in Marlton and Haddonfield, NJ.
Choosing Sports Mouthguards
Choosing the right mouthguard is important because its effectiveness varies. The one you select should not only fit your teeth precisely but should also provide excellent shock absorption.
We offer specially designed “boil and bite” mouthguards that we custom-fit to your mouth. Despite their superior shock-absorbing properties, they’re thinner than most commercially available guards. That makes it easier to breathe, talk, and even drink while wearing them. Their unique properties help prevent the introduction of bacteria, and they can even be worn over braces.
Keeping Your Mouthguard Clean
If you already use a sports mouthguard, you can ensure its effectiveness and extend its life by caring for it properly:
- Gently scrub your mouthguard after each use with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Store your mouthguard in its protective case.
- Do not leave your mouthguard in the sun or in hot water because it may melt or become deformed.
- Re-fit your mouthguard if needed (we’ll show you how).
- Replace your mouthguard at the beginning of every new sports season.
- Do not chew on or cut pieces off of your mouthguard.
Schedule a Dental Appointment
Bring your mouthguard to each dental checkup; we’ll check to make sure it's still in good shape. Our goal is to minimize your chance of suffering a sports-related mouth injury. Be sure to ask us about mouthguards during your next checkup. Call our Haddonfield office at 856.429.0404 or our Marlton office at 856.983.9620.