The hot sun, breezy wind, and blooming flowers make spring the ideal time to be outdoors. Many outdoor activities take place on hard ground. If you fall, you could hurt your mouth, jaw, lips, nose, bones, or any other part of your face. In honor of Facial Protection Month, Dr. Locke wants to make sure you have a mouthguard to protect your smile.
Why Should I Wear a Mouthguard?
Soccer, baseball, football, jogging, biking, skating, and other athletic activities are more popular in the cool springtime weather. Furthermore, April rain showers and pool parties can make walkways slippery. Tripping on the playing field or falling on the sidewalk may leave you with cuts and bruises on your face. It’s important to clean your skin immediately to avoid infection and swelling. While scrapes will heal in a few days, severe injuries could leave permanent oral damage. If you fall on your face, you could suffer from broken teeth, nerve damage, injured tissue, or tooth loss. And athletes aren’t the only ones at risk. About 60 percent of facial injuries in children come from the playground. A mouthguard, however, will prevent facial harm from all outdoor hobbies.
Benefits of Mouthguards
- Mouthguards provide a barrier between your soft tissues and your teeth. The sharp edges of your teeth can cut your lips, tongue, or cheeks, but a mouthguard shields your teeth from touching your tissues.
- Mouthguards cushion your teeth. A mouthguard is placed over your teeth, giving your teeth a strong layer of protection from frontal blows to the mouth. Mouthguards also help block opposing teeth and jaws from knocking against each other.
- Mouthguards can improve athletic performance. Studies show that athletes feel stronger and more confident when they have the proper protection.
Custom Mouthguards in Waco
It’s important to have a mouthguard that is fit to your mouth. A mouthguard that is too small can irritate your gums and place pressure on your teeth and jaw. On the other hand, mouthguards that are too loose may fall out during activity. Dr. Locke can create a custom mouthguard that is sized and shaped to fit your mouth. A properly-fitted mouthguard will be comfortable, making it easy to talk and breathe, as well as effectively protect against injury.
As you browse the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in Waco, keep in mind that all those famous athletes wore mouthguards to protect their smiles. To discuss your needs for a mouthguard, contact Dr. Locke at our Waco dentist office at (254) 776-4888. We serve patients from Waco, Woodway, McGregor, Hewitt, and surrounding Central Texas communities.