There are more ways to exercise than ever before. In Decatur, we have personal trainers, all-purpose gyms, HIIT, barre, yoga, Zumba, spin classes, specialty facilities, and recreational sports.
Sports and Exercise Can Be Risky for Your Teeth
At Decatur Smiles, we want our patients to be aware that many activities pose a risk to teeth.
You might think that mouth protectors are only for ultimate fighters and football players. Actually, mouthguards can and should be used during any activity where impact to the face is possible.
This includes things like mountain biking, gymnastics, and pick-up basketball. When you have a properly fitted mouth protector, you can prevent broken or lost teeth as well as lip, tongue, and jaw injuries.
At Decatur Smiles, we remind our patients that sports mouthguards aren’t just for kids. Another misconception is that they are only necessary for contact sports. We’ve treated plenty of oral injuries that happened during solo activities like mountain biking.
All Mouthguards Aren’t Create Equal
Mouth protectors come in three main types: stock, boil and bite, and custom-fitted. Stock mouthguards are one-size-fits-all but rarely fit well.
You can find boil-and-bite mouth protectors at sporting goods stores. They are to be softened in water and then formed in your mouth (make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions).
Custom-fitted mouth protectors can be made by your dentist to make sure you have a perfect fit.
The soft tissues that line your cheeks and lips are especially susceptible to injury when you have braces or fixed bridge work. Plus these expensive appliances can be damaged as well. For these reasons, a mouth protector is extremely important for patients undergoing these treatments. Your orthodontist may even recommend a mouth protector for your lower teeth as well.
If you have questions about sports dentistry any other dental issues, please contact our office and schedule an appointment. We look forward to meeting you.
Contact Decatur Smiles:
256-350-5820
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1316 Somerville Rd SE Ste 2
Decatur, Alabama
35601
