How do you maintain a healthy smile? The first things that come to mind are probably brushing, flossing, and getting regular checkups at William J. Steward DDS in San Antonio. You might also think of diet factors, like limiting sugary drinks and getting enough calcium.
When people are quizzed about preventative dental care, they rarely mention athletic mouth protection. But it’s a biggie.
Don’t Be a (Grim) Statistic
Did you know that over five million people every year experience tooth injury playing sports? Many of those injuries cause a tooth to be completely knocked out. Ouch!
Not only is it painful and traumatic, but a knocked-out tooth is also time-consuming and costly to restore.
An Indispensable Part of Your Sports Gear
An inexpensive mouth guard can protect teeth during sporting activities. We advise our patients to include mouth guards as a key part of their sports equipment. That’s right. Your mouth guard should be in your duffel along with your shinguards and helmet.
Mouth guards work:
Starting in 1962, high school and collegiate football players were required to wear face guards and mouth protectors. Since this requirement, the percentage of orofacial injuries in football has dropped from approximately 50% to one-half of 1%, depending on the study cited.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry counsels parents have children use mouthguards for all organized sports. That means gymnastics, skiing, and lacrosse—not just basketball, football, and wrestling.
Kids who complain about wearing mouthguards are more likely to wear one if it is comfortable and custom-fitted. If you or your youngster participates in sports, speak with us about custom athletic mouthguards. It may be the most critical dental decision you make this year.
If, in spite of your best precautions, you have a dental emergency, we provide urgent dental care at William J. Stewart Jr. DDS Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in San Antonio. we also offer general and family dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.
Contact William J. Stewart Jr. DDS Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry:
210-493-3040
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
13220 Huebner Rd
San Antonio, Texas
78230
