Why Offer Your Patients Mouthguards for Competitive Sports?

Participation in competitive sports at all levels, from youth to adult leagues has grown quite steadily over recent years.  With this growth, we have seen a commensurate increase in the number of injuries.  In fact, 10-20% of all sports related injuries are maxillofacial injuries according to the American Dental Association.  To protect your patient’s mouth we suggest everyone involved in playing competitive sports wear a mouthguard.

It is easy to assume mouthguards are only necessary if you are playing a contact sport. People understand if you are playing soccer, basketball, football, or ice hockey you need a mouthguard. But it is just as important to wear a mouthguard when you are participating in non-contact sports, like skateboarding, mountain biking, and gymnastics.

The good news is, a new generation of mouthguards has been shown to reduce forces that not only protect the teeth, but also can prevent concussions, neck injuries, jaw fractures, cerebral hemorrhage and even death!

The cost of a properly custom-made mouthguard is miniscule when compared to the cost of a damaged or lost tooth. And, can one really put a price on the long-term effects of concussion injuries? With a little explanation, many of your patients will see the advantages in using a mouthguard. 

The Goal: Ask every patient if they play a sport regardless of their age or level of participation and be ready to protect them!