Had it not been for protective sports equipment, it might not be my name on our front door. As a recreational cyclist and triathlete since the age of 16, I’ve had my share of accidents. Interestingly, the worst crashes I’ve had have been in the past two years. And in both situations my helmet has probably saved my life!
Protective sports equipment has become the standard in our society, and for good reason. The medical community has seen it’s share of preventable injuries. Accidents can happen in a split second, and the results can be life-altering. Equipment to protect against concussions, broken bones and eye injuries are among the most common. Most of us wouldn’t consider playing hockey or football, riding a bike or skateboarding without wearing a helmet. But we often don’t think about dental trauma.
Sports such as football and boxing have embraced protective mouthguards as required equipment. But the most common dental injuries I’ve seen during my career have been inflicted during seemingly safe activities. Basketball, rollerblading, skateboarding and skiing have been among the sports that have landed patients in my office. The results have ranged from minor chips in teeth, to more severe injuries and tooth loss. Custom dental mouthguards have even been shown to decrease the incidence of concussions.
For children and adults who are active in sports, I recommend a custom fabricated sports mouthguard. They are comfortable, come in lots of cool custom colors, can be ready in a matter of days and most importantly can protect teeth and jaw joints from some common and preventable injuries. In a pinch, a semi-custom mouthguard can be purchased in a sporting goods store and customized at home. Although not as comfortable or protective, these mouthguards are certainly preferable to nothing at all.
Call our office or stop by if you would like more information on this important piece of protective equipment.
