Reduce Sports Injuries With Mouth Guards Pasco, WA
If you are an athlete, you probably already know how rough it can get out on the field or court. A mouth guard can help prevent unnecessary oral injury. These simple devices slip over the upper teeth to protect them from the surrounding oral tissues.
Mouth guards are available at Hansen Family Dental in Pasco and the surrounding area. Call us today at (509) 302-2880 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
The Dangers of Not Using a Mouthguard
For more than half a century, the American Dental Association has recommended the use of a properly-fitted mouthguard to reduce the risk of oral injury while participating in sports. Although mouthguards do not guarantee someone will not sustain an oral injury, athletes become 60 times more likely to get hurt when not wearing one. Hard hits and flying projectiles can all translate into a nightmare for the teeth and jaw.
A custom-fitted mouthguard, worn over the top teeth, protects the teeth from the surrounding soft tissue, absorbs shock, and stabilizes the jaw during a hit. Consider many risks associated with not wearing a mouth guard, including broken or lost teeth, jaw injuries, lacerated lips and cheeks, and damage to orthodontic appliances.
Broken or Lost Teeth
Teeth, although hard, can break. Playing sports without a proper mouthguard leaves the teeth at risk of taking a hard blow without any cushion. This can cause teeth to crack, fracture, or even fall out completely. A cracked or damaged tooth signifies a severe dental emergency.
Jaw Injuries
Jaw injuries commonly occur in sports. Mouthguards prevent or greatly reduce their seriousness by cushioning the jaw and reducing the amount of shock it takes during a hit. Teeth, designed to chew food, can also do damage to the soft tissues of the mouth when left uncovered. A mouthguard can help protect the mouth from punctures or lacerations.
Damage to Orthodontic Appliances
Braces or other orthodontia present a unique challenge that only a custom-fit mouthguard done at a dentist's office can address. This type of mouthguard can be made for the upper and lower teeth. It will not only protect the teeth but also prevent the metal wires and brackets from potentially ripping into the soft tissues of the mouth.
“Hard hits and flying projectiles can all translate into a nightmare for the teeth and jaw.”
Risks of Store-Bought Mouth Guards
Several types of mouth guards are available, today including stock (ready-made) mouth guards, mouth-formed (boil and bite) mouth guards, and custom-made mouth guards. Ideally, patients should have mouth guards made of resilient materials properly fitted to the mouth. This will maximize their high-impact energy absorption while simultaneously reducing any transmitted forces upon impact.
In other words, stock (ready-made) mouth guards or mouth-formed (boil and bite) mouth guards (also known as store-bought mouth guards) tend to be the least effective types of mouth guards. As they cannot be customized to the patient's mouth, they are more prone to slide around in the mouth. These types of mouth guards may cause discomfort and be easier to tear.
“Ideally, patients should have mouth guards made of resilient materials properly fitted to the mouth.”
Long-Term Effects of Sports Injuries to Teeth
Over a quarter of dental-related injuries happen while playing sports. An oral-facial injury rarely life-threatening, can be extremely painful and require additional attention as the athlete ages. To avoid long-term oral health problems after a sports-related tooth injury, seek treatment immediately.
Not wearing a mouthguard significantly increases the risks for serious dental injury while playing sports. Hits to the mouth can result in the loss of a tooth, or the need for a root canal to avoid infection. Missing teeth and the subsequent replacement, fractures and cracks will need special attention for the rest of an athlete's life. A custom-fitted mouthguard offers the first line of defense.
“An oral-facial injury, rarely life-threatening, can be extremely painful and require additional attention as the athlete ages.”
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How Mouth Guards Are Designed
Ideally, a mouth guard should be properly fitted and customized to the patient's mouth and oral structures. It should also be made of resilient material to cover all teeth on one arch and stay in place comfortably and securely. These factors allow the mouth guard to sit comfortably and securely in the mouth, ensuring one's safety and comfort.
Custom-made mouth guards are made by having the dentist create an impression of the patient's teeth. They then trim and polish the impression, double-checking for the proper fit. Just as no two patients are the same, each mouth guard is also unique. Custom-made mouthguards can provide the most effective adaptability, fit, and efficacy when compared to other options.
“Custom-made mouth guards are made by having the dentist create an impression of the patient’s teeth.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are the dangers of not using a mouthguard?
Q. What are the long-term effects of a sports injury to the teeth?
Q. What are the different kinds of mouth guards?
Q. How are custom-made mouth guards made?
People Also Ask
Q. How do lifestyle choices affect dental health?
Q. How is a custom mouth guard made?
Q. What is the difference between mouth guards and night guards?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long do mouth guards last?
A. It depends on how frequently you use it. However, with proper care, a custom-made mouth guard should last several years. Store-bought ones tend to be less durable, as they are not tailored for the mouth. Remember to bring your mouth guard with you to your dental checkups for regular inspection.
Q. How can I get a mouth guard?
A. Call us today, and we will schedule you for an initial consultation. We can begin the process of creating a dental mouth guard once we determine your candidacy. You will need to first undergo a physical examination and get some impressions taken of your mouth.
Q. What are mouth guards made of?
A. The answer varies on a case-by-case basis. Many mouth guards are made of acrylic, while others are made of acetate, vinyl, or rubber. Mouth guards may also be made of a combination of two or more of the above. We combine both hard and soft elements to ensure durability and comfort.
Q. How should I clean my mouth guard?
A. It is essential to clean your mouth guard regularly. First, rinse in warm water to get rid of any plaque and debris. Then, brush the mouth guard with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Do not use toothpaste, as it may be too abrasive. Let the mouth guard air dry completely to prevent rapid bacterial growth, and always store it in a case when not in use.
Q. Can I wear a mouth guard even if I have braces?
A. Yes. We can devise special mouth guards for persons with orthodontic devices or fixed dental work. It is crucial for these patients to adequately protect the mouth, lest the teeth suffer orofacial damage leading to soft tissue injuries.
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Family Dental Terminology
Learn More About Custom Mouthguards for Sports
A custom-fit mouthguard represents a vital piece of protective equipment for any athlete. To schedule an appointment, call us at 509-302-2880 to let Hansen Family Dental in Pasco for more assistance.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2026
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2026
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2026
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