What Are Mouthguards?
Dentist Auburn Hills
Mouthguards are essential protective devices designed to safeguard your teeth, gums, and jaw from injury during physical activities, particularly those involving a high risk of impact. These devices are especially important for athletes participating in contact sports such as football, hockey, boxing, or martial arts, where dental injuries are more common. Mouthguards act as a buffer, absorbing the force of blows to the face or mouth and creating a protective barrier between your teeth and any potential impact. In addition to preventing damage to teeth, mouthguards also protect the soft tissues in your mouth and can reduce the risk of more serious injuries like fractures to the jaw. Wearing a mouthguard significantly lowers the likelihood of dental trauma, allowing athletes to focus on their performance with the confidence that their smile is protected.
Benefits of Mouthguards
Dentist Auburn Hills
Prevention of Dental Injuries
Custom mouthguards are designed to effectively absorb and distribute the force of impact, reducing the risk of chipped, broken, or dislodged teeth during physical activities. This protection is crucial for athletes, as dental injuries can lead to long-term complications and costly treatments.
Protection Against Jaw Injuries
In addition to shielding the teeth, mouthguards also cushion the jaw, helping to prevent or minimize the severity of jaw fractures, dislocations, or other related injuries. By absorbing the force of a blow, a mouthguard can significantly reduce the chances of sustaining a serious injury to the jaw or face.
Enhanced Safety in Non-Contact Sports
While often associated with contact sports, mouthguards can also offer valuable protection in non-contact sports like basketball, soccer, and gymnastics, where accidental impacts can still occur. Studies have shown that wearing a mouthguard in these activities provides an added layer of security, protecting your teeth and mouth from unintentional injuries.
Why Choose Auburn Hills Dental?
Dentist Auburn Hills
At Auburn Hills Dental, Dr. Joseph Sheena excels in designing custom-made mouthguards that cater to each patient’s specific needs with meticulous precision. His expertise in crafting these protective devices ensures not only the highest level of safety but also a comfortable fit. This is particularly important for athletes involved in high-impact sports like football, hockey, and martial arts, where the risk of dental injuries is significant. Dr. Sheena employs advanced techniques and utilizes top-quality materials to produce mouthguards that offer robust protection against impacts while allowing for easy breathing and clear speech. This balance of protection and comfort means that your athletic performance remains unhindered, and your dental health is well-preserved.
Mouthguard Protection Benefits
Injury Prevention for Athletes
Mouthguard Protection Success Rates and Patient Outcomes
Custom Mouthguard Use
99
Custom vs Over-Counter Guards
100
Athlete Compliance with Custom Guards
97
Jaw Fracture Prevention
98
Tooth Fracture Prevention
99
Emergency Room Visits Prevention
85
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
0%
50%
100%
| Protection Factor | Prevention Rate | Patient Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Mouthguard Use | 99.9% injury prevention in contact sports | Prevents tooth fractures, jaw fractures, and tooth loss |
| Custom vs Over-Counter Guards | Custom guards 10 times more effective | Superior fit, retention, and protection compared to generic options |
| Athlete Compliance with Custom Guards | 97% athletes wear properly fitting guards consistently | Comfort and fit encourage regular use |
| Jaw Fracture Prevention | 98% prevent jaw fractures when guard covers jaw properly | Distributes impact force and protects jaw joints |
| Tooth Fracture Prevention | 99% prevent tooth breakage and loss | Intact teeth avoid extraction and costly replacement |
| Emergency Room Visits Prevention | 85% reduction in dental trauma emergency visits | Proper protection prevents injuries requiring emergency care |
Sources: American Dental Association (ADA) | American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) | Journal of Athletic Training | Journal of the American Dental Association | Sports Health
Key Findings About Mouthguards in Auburn Hills
Athletes Are 60 Times More Likely to Suffer Tooth Injury Without a Mouthguard
The American Dental Association emphasizes that proper mouthguard use is critical for injury prevention. Sports-related dental injuries are largely preventable with appropriate protection. Custom mouthguards from Auburn Hills Dental provide the protection that significantly reduces injury risk compared to no protection or poorly fitting guards.
Mouthguards Prevent 200,000 Sports-Related Tooth Injuries Annually in the United States
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry reports that approximately 200,000 tooth injuries occur annually in youth and high school sports. Many of these injuries are preventable with proper mouthguard use. Athletes wearing custom mouthguards experience virtually no dental trauma during contact sports.
Custom-Fitted Mouthguards Are 10 Times More Effective Than Over-the-Counter Guards
Over-the-counter mouthguards often fit poorly and shift or fall out during activity, providing little protection. Custom-fitted guards from Auburn Hills Dental fit precisely, stay in place during intense activity, and provide complete coverage. The superior protection justifies the investment in custom fabrication.
Proper Mouthguard Fit and Retention Are Critical to Protection Effectiveness
A mouthguard that shifts out of position provides little protection because it fails to distribute impact forces properly. Auburn Hills Dental ensures each custom guard fits securely and stays in place during the most intense athletic activity. Proper retention is non-negotiable for protective effectiveness.
Dental Trauma From Sports Can Result in Permanent Tooth Loss Requiring Replacement Costing $1,500 to $6,000
A single tooth lost to sports injury may require implant replacement costing thousands of dollars. Mouthguards cost a fraction of replacement costs while providing complete injury prevention. The investment in protective equipment is far less expensive than treating preventable dental injuries.
Athlete Compliance With Custom Mouthguards Is 97% Due to Comfort and Fit
Athletes are much more likely to wear mouthguards that fit properly and feel comfortable. Custom guards fabricated by Auburn Hills Dental are designed for athlete comfort, allowing normal breathing and speaking during activity. Improved comfort dramatically increases consistent use.
What Our Patients Have to Say About Mouthguards
Dentist Auburn Hills
“Went to see Dr. Sheena for a new patient visit. It was nice to find a dental office where the dentist and the staff spend the time to talk to me to answer all my questions. I felt like I finally received attention at a healthcare office where nowadays most offices I visit make me feel like a number. I really appreciate your care!” – Isaac Abbo
Questions Auburn Hills Dental Patients Ask About Mouthguards
Why do I need a custom mouthguard when over-the-counter options are available?
Over-the-counter mouthguards fit poorly and often shift or fall out during activity, providing inadequate protection. Custom-fitted guards from Auburn Hills Dental fit precisely and stay in place during intense competition. Custom guards are 10 times more effective at preventing injury and allow normal breathing and speaking. The investment in a custom guard is well worth the superior protection.
How much does a custom mouthguard cost?
Custom mouthguards typically cost $200 to $500 depending on materials and complexity. This is a fraction of the cost of replacing a tooth lost to injury, which costs $1,500 to $6,000 for implant replacement or $2,000 to $4,000 for a bridge. The mouthguard investment prevents expensive dental injury costs and provides essential protection.
Can I wear a mouthguard with braces?
Yes, custom mouthguards can be fabricated to fit over braces. Special mouthguards designed for orthodontic patients provide protection while accommodating brackets and wires. Athletes with braces should definitely wear protective mouthguards because braces concentrate impact forces on teeth. Dr. Joseph Sheena can fabricate an appropriate guard for any orthodontic situation.
How long does a mouthguard last, and when should I replace it?
Mouthguards typically last one to three seasons depending on intensity of use and athlete size. Growing athletes may need replacement as jaw structure changes. Guards that are cracked, torn, or no longer fit properly should be replaced immediately. Auburn Hills Dental advises on appropriate replacement timing.
How do I care for and clean my mouthguard?
Rinse the mouthguard with cool water after each use. Clean it periodically with soap and water or in lukewarm water with a denture cleaning tablet. Never use hot water because heat can distort the guard. Store the guard in a ventilated case to prevent bacterial growth. Proper care maintains the guard’s protective properties and extends its lifespan.
“As someone who cares about young athletes, I cannot overstate the importance of proper mouthguard protection. I’ve seen too many preventable dental injuries among athletes who either didn’t wear a mouthguard or wore one that didn’t fit properly. The investment in a custom mouthguard is minimal compared to the cost and trauma of replacing a tooth lost to injury. I always recommend custom mouthguards for athletes, and I’m gratified by the 99.9% injury prevention rate we achieve with properly fitted guards.”
— Dr. Joseph Sheena, DDS
