Why Wearing a Custom Athletic Guard Matters
As one of the most trusted dental offices in Powell, WY, Dr. Scott Williams and the team at Frontier Family Dental care about every aspect of your health, including protecting your teeth during the activities you love. Whether you’re out on the field, court or mat, contact sports can put your smile at risk. That’s where a custom athletic guard comes in.
Why Wear a Custom Athletic Guard?
If you or your child participates in contact sports, you should consider speaking to Dr. Williams about a custom mouth guard. The following are five ways it will protect your smile:
- Prevents Tooth Injuries. Whether you’re playing football, basketball, hockey or even practicing martial arts, a sudden hit to the face can cause significant dental damage. Teeth can be chipped, cracked, loosened or even knocked out entirely. A well-fitted athletic guard acts like a shock absorber, helping to distribute the force of the blow across the mouth rather than allowing it to concentrate on one area. This protection can save you from emergency dental visits.
- Shields Soft Tissues. It’s not just your teeth at risk. Your lips, cheeks, gums and tongue are all vulnerable during physical activity. When you wear an athletic guard, it forms a smooth, padded barrier between your teeth and the soft tissues inside your mouth. This greatly reduces the chance of cuts, bruises and other injuries that can result from sudden impacts or accidental bites during intense play.
- Reduces Risk of Jaw Injuries. Athletic guards also play an important role in protecting the jaw. Without a guard, a direct blow to the lower face can force your jaw to slam shut, potentially causing fractures or dislocations. A properly fitted guard helps to stabilize the jaw, absorb pressure and cushion against the force—reducing the likelihood of injury to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding structures.
- May Help Lower Risk of Concussions. While no mouthguard can fully prevent concussions, studies suggest that wearing one may reduce the severity of head injuries. That’s because a guard can help absorb and dampen the energy transmitted from the jaw to the skull during a collision. Combined with other protective gear like helmets, an athletic guard adds an extra layer of defense against brain injury.
- Customized for Comfort and Performance. Many athletes buy generic guards at sporting goods stores, only to find them uncomfortable or ineffective. A custom-made athletic guard from your dentist is designed to fit your unique bite and mouth structure. It stays in place securely, allows you to speak and breathe easily, and provides far better protection than a one-size-fits-all version. When it’s comfortable to wear, athletes are far more likely to use it consistently, ensuring long-term protection every time they play.
Keep Smiles Safe with Dr. Williams
If you or your child participate in any type of contact sport, now is the perfect time to invest in protection that lasts. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Williams at Frontier Family Dental today, and we’ll create a personalized athletic guard that’s comfortable, durable, and built to keep your smile safe.