Protect Your Smile During Sports

At Northgate Station Dental, we understand the importance of protecting your teeth, especially during physical activities where there’s a risk of injury. Athletic mouth guards are essential for anyone participating in contact sports or activities that could result in trauma to the mouth and teeth. Our custom-fitted mouth guards offer superior protection, comfort, and performance, allowing you to focus on the game without worrying about your smile.

Athletic Mouth Guards:

What are Athletic Mouth Guards?

Athletic mouth guards are protective devices worn over the teeth to prevent injuries during sports and physical activities. They act as a cushion, distributing the force of impact and minimizing the risk of damage to the teeth, gums, and jaw. Custom-made mouth guards provide the best protection, as they are designed specifically for your teeth and offer a comfortable, secure fit.

Why Do You Need an Athletic Mouth Guard?

Participating in sports such as football, basketball, soccer, hockey, and even non-contact activities like gymnastics or cycling can put your teeth at risk for injury. Here are a few reasons why wearing a mouth guard is important:

  • Prevents Dental Injuries: Mouth guards protect against common sports-related dental injuries such as chipped or broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, and cuts to the lips and gums.

  • Reduces Risk of Concussions: By cushioning the jaw and preventing direct impact to the teeth, mouth guards can help reduce the risk of concussions caused by blows to the chin or jaw.

  • Protects Braces and Dental Work: If you wear braces or have dental restorations like crowns or bridges, a custom mouth guard provides extra protection to ensure they remain intact during sports.

  • Enhances Performance: A well-fitted mouth guard won’t hinder breathing or speech, allowing athletes to perform at their best without discomfort or distraction.

FAQs

  • While over-the-counter mouth guards are available at many sporting goods stores, custom-fitted mouth guards from Northgate Station Dental provide superior protection and comfort. Here’s why custom mouth guards are the better option:

    • Tailored Fit: Custom mouth guards are made from impressions of your teeth, ensuring a snug, comfortable fit that won’t slip or shift during activity.

    • Better Protection: Because custom mouth guards are specifically designed for your mouth, they provide enhanced protection against injuries compared to stock or boil-and-bite options.

    • Comfort and Performance: A custom mouth guard is designed to fit securely without being bulky or uncomfortable, allowing you to breathe and speak easily while playing sports.

  • Getting a custom athletic mouth guard at Northgate Station Dental is a simple and straightforward process:

    1. Consultation and Impressions: During your appointment, Dr. Muecke will examine your teeth and take impressions or digital scans to create a custom-fitted mouth guard. This ensures the mouth guard fits comfortably and provides optimal protection.

    2. Fabrication: The impressions or scans are sent to a dental lab, where your mouth guard is custom-crafted to match the shape of your teeth and gums. The mouth guard will be made from durable, high-quality materials that offer excellent impact protection.

    3. Fitting and Adjustment: Once your mouth guard is ready, you’ll return to our office for a fitting. Dr. Muecke will ensure the mouth guard fits perfectly, making any necessary adjustments for comfort.

  • To keep your custom mouth guard in good condition and ensure it lasts, follow these care tips:

    • Clean Regularly: Rinse your mouth guard with cool water or a mild antibacterial solution after each use. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the material.

    • Store Properly: Keep your mouth guard in a ventilated case when not in use to allow it to dry and prevent bacterial growth.

    • Check for Wear: Inspect your mouth guard regularly for signs of wear or damage. If it becomes cracked, torn, or uncomfortable, contact Northgate Station Dental for a replacement.

    • Bring to Dental Check-ups: Bring your mouth guard to your routine dental appointments so Dr. Muecke can check its fit and condition.

  • Who Should Wear an Athletic Mouth Guard?

    Athletic mouth guards are essential for anyone involved in high-impact or contact sports, including:

    • Football

    • Basketball

    • Soccer

    • Hockey

    • Boxing

    • Martial Arts

    • Wrestling

    • Gymnastics

    • Cycling

    • Skateboarding

    Even in non-contact sports where falls or collisions are possible, wearing a mouth guard can help prevent serious dental injuries