Discover why mouthguards are vital when playing sports

Sports injuries are one of the most common ways to incur a dental emergency. Sports guards or mouthguards are devices that go over the teeth to protect them in case of injury to the head. If you or your child participates in any body contact or aggressive sports, it’s important to include mouthguards as part of protective athletic equipment. At Kingsgate Dental in Kirkland, Washington, we want to ensure that everyone is protected from dental injury but understand that sometimes accidents happen. In addition to advocating about mouthguards, Dr. Ann Kelley and her team offer emergency and restorative treatment in the event of a sports injury. 

How do mouthguards protect you?

Mouthguards protect against broken teeth, broken appliances or braces, cut lips, and any other damage that can occur during sports. 

Types of mouthguards

When choosing a mouthguard, it’s important that it is comfortable, durable, and tear-resistant. Mouthguards should protect the teeth and gums, but they should not restrict your ability to breathe or speak. There are three main types of sports mouthguards:

1. Custom mouthguards – These custom-fitting mouthguards are made from impressions of the teeth in a dental lab. Custom mouthguards offer the best protection and fit of all three types of guards and are made to last.
2. Boil and Bite mouthguards – These types of mouthguards are molded into a more custom fit by boiling them and then biting into the plastic while it’s still warm. 
3. Stock mouthguards – These are often the least expensive option but also the most uncomfortable. Stock guards are usually bulky and difficult to wear. 

Sports Dentistry services

If a sports injury does occur, we offer services such as emergency care, missing tooth replacement, bonding, and more to restore the tooth. If a tooth has been knocked out, it’s imperative to get to the dentist as soon as possible to try and save the tooth. If possible, it should be either placed back in the socket or brought in a glass of milk. 

For more information on sports dentistry or in case of an emergency, call Kingsgate Dental in Kirkland, WA at (425) 385-0080 today.

Ann Kelley, DDS

Dr. Ann Kelley is a graduate of the Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska. She highly values the comfort of her patients, and places the needs of the patient above her convenience. Her dental clinic is built to bring the best and most comfortable dental experience to all her patients. She builds relationships with her patients based on trust and always acts to safeguard this trust.