mouthguards Archives - Upper Arlington

Mouthguards For Spring Sports

Posted on April 28, 2017May 2, 2017 by Dr. Dana Walters

When the spring season approaches, it is time to hit the field for baseball, lacrosse, or another outdoor activity. It is essential to have the correct equipment, including mouthguards. Since there are different mouthguards to consider, it is wise to learn more and to choose the best one.

Importance of Wearing Mouthguards

Certain spring sports are quite physical or involve flying objects that can hurt the face and cause tremendous damage to teeth, gums, or the jaw. The best way to prevent these types of injuries is to make sure that your child wears a mouthguard. This item will cushion a hit to the face and lower the risks of suffering from broken teeth or worse trauma.

Various Types of Mouthguards for Spring Sports

The National Foundation of State High School Associations has explained that numerous studies conducted by the American Dental Association show the importance of wearing mouthguards during sporting activities. They prove that these devices drastically lower injuries that occur to the mouth. Here is a look at the various options.

Boil and Bite. This device is comfortable in the mouth. It is softened in hot water and is placed in the mouth. Thanks to the warm temperatures, it will mold to fit your child’s teeth.
Stock Mouthguard. The least expensive and most common type of mouthguard is a stock piece that is found on most store shelves. It is usually available in different sizes. It is worn during sporting events so that teeth are protected.
Custom-Fit. When you want the best fit in a mouthguard, it is best to head to your dentist’s office for a custom-fit device. It is especially smart if your child wears braces. Since it is specifically made to contour to all parts of your child’s mouth, it will offer the best protection.

If your children are playing spring sports, it is vital to obtain mouthguards that will protect their teeth. For more information, contact the office of Dr. Dana Walters. He will recommend the best piece of equipment so that your children’s smiles are preserved.

Protecting Teeth With Mouthguards

Posted on December 29, 2016January 3, 2017 by Dr. Dana Walters

Mouthguards are not only for professional athletes. Members of your family can benefit from a mouthguard, too.

The Purpose of Mouthguards:

A mouthguard will protect your jaw and teeth if you sustain an injury. It should be used when participating in contact sports and non-contact sports. Without a mouthguard, injuries can occur from impact with another player, impact with sports equipment, or falls.

Oral injuries can range from minor to severe. Without a mouthguard, you can suffer from broken teeth, dental work or appliances can be ruined, or your jaw may be injured. The consequences can range from needing emergency dental services to surgery. A mouthguard is a simple way to avoid these issues.

General Dentistry and Mouthguards:

The cheapest type of mouthguard is a ready-made mouthguard. It can be purchased in sporting goods stores. However, as a ready-made mouthguard is not designed specially for you, it is not the best choice if you can afford a better option.

Boil-and-bite mouthguards are better, as they conform to your own mouth. The best option, though, is to have a mouthguard made by your own dentist. When it is created just for you, it will fit properly in your mouth. It is the most comfortable, effective type of mouthguard.

Activity and Your Oral Health:

From basketball to skateboarding, sports and recreational activities can lead to injuries. This will not be a concern when you wear a mouthguard. If you wear it every time, you may never experience an injury to your mouth or jaw.

Keep your mouthguard clean, and store it in a safe container when you are not wearing it. Keep your device away from hot water and direct sunlight. Replace it as often as your dentist advises.

From the youngest children to adults, a mouthguard will safeguard oral health. Whether you are going out to football practice or hopping on your bicycle, make sure your mouthguard is in place.

The Importance of Mouthguards During Summer Sports

Posted on July 5, 2016July 13, 2016 by Dr. Dana Walters

Summer is here once again. It is an exciting time of the year for young children who have a few blessed months to enjoy freedom from school. Summer sports clinics are in full swing and make for a healthy diversion. Sports teach children discipline and helps strengthen their muscles as they have been cooped up most hours, learning.

Summer Sports Injuries

While summer sports helps ward off childhood obesity, we are all aware that there are unintentional injuries that may occur. Sports injuries are common and roughly 36 to 40% of children who are enrolled in summer sports experience minor to major injuries.

According to the ADA about 10 to 20% of these injuries are maxillofacial ones. This pertains to injuries related to the face or jaw. These injuries can lead to permanent damage to the orofacial structures. This may include tooth fractures involving the crown and/or root. Teeth may get knocked out as well. Tooth avulsion can be tricky to fix as not all teeth that get knocked out can be re-implanted. Tooth luxation is another concern. This occurs when the tooth stays in its socket but is in the wrong position.

Invest in a Mouthguard

Even professional athletes wear mouthguards to protect their teeth from blunt force. Mouthguards can cushion the impact to a significant degree thereby lessening the chance of major oral injuries that are common in sports.

Mouthguards can be purchased ready-made at most sporting goods stores. However, these are not custom-fit. Therefore, they may not provide adequate protection. The boil and bite versions are more expensive and sold in stores. While these are better than the ready-made ones, they may feel too big or too small.

The best mouthguard to use would be a custom-made one. This is only available at a dental office. While they may be more expensive, than the two previous variants mentioned, they provide the highest amount of protection.

Dr. Dana Walters, DDS urges parents to bring their children in for custom-fit mouthguards to avoid major oral injuries. Schedule an appointment today if you want dental tips about keeping your child’s smile healthy and safe during summer sports season.

Mouthguards for Youth Sports

Posted on March 26, 2015March 2, 2015 by Dr. Dana Walters

Participating in a sport means fun and competition for your child. However, some sports require mouthguards for youth sports. Football, hockey, field hockey, and lacrosse are the most common examples. If your child plans to try out for a team, a mouthguard must be a part of his equipment.

One reason he needs a mouthguard is to avoid tooth injury. There are a number of different injuries that can occur if his teeth are not protected by a mouthguard.

Teeth can become chipped or broken. A tooth can remain in its socket, but be out of place. A tooth can be completely knocked out of the socket. In any of these instances, the root can also be damaged.

Other injuries can occur to his mouth. While tooth injuries can be difficult to treat, injuries to the jaw can be more serious. If the injury is severe, he may need to be hospitalized for surgery. This can result in pain, difficulties from anesthesia, and a period of recovery.

Your child can avoid these injuries by wearing a mouthguard every time he plays. Whether he is practicing with his team or playing against another team, a mouthguard will protect his teeth and mouth. A mouthguard is one of the most essential products to buy when you are preparing your child for a team sport.

Your child may not be thinking about dental health when he is filled with excitement over joining a team. You can take this opportunity to educate him about dental health, and the role of mouthguards in youth sports. Make sure he understands the importance of wearing the mouthguard every time he practices and plays.

At Dana Walters DDS, we can fit your child for custom mouth guards that will offer the best fit and protection available. Contact us today to learn more.

What You Need To Know About Mouthguards And Braces

Posted on March 19, 2015March 23, 2015 by Dr. Dana Walters

Mouthguards and braces can be a complicated combination for young people who participate in sports. A good approach is to ask for advice from both your child’s dentist and his coach.

Stock mouthguards are not the best option for kids who wear braces. They are not likely to fit appropriately, and can even make it difficult for your child to talk or breathe. Both the mouthguards and braces can become damaged.

The best option available is a custom-made mouthguard, as it will be designed specifically for your child. Custom-made mouthguards will offer the most protection and comfort. It will fit your child’s mouth structure so it does not interfere with talking and breathing.

If you cannot afford a custom-made mouthguard, the boil-and-bite option is less expensive. As it provides a customized fit, it is a better option than a ready-made mouthguard.

Some sports, such as wrestling, can require mouthguards that protect both the top and bottom teeth. As this can result in additional complications for a child who wears braces, talk with your dentist before purchasing a product.

When a child participates in a sport without wearing a mouthguard, it can lead to serious dental and physical emergencies. However, sports injuries can also ruin braces. Braces can be permanently destroyed, and the child can experience significant pain.

Mouthguards and braces can be a team effort between parents, children, coaches, and dentists. Do not hesitate to express your concern if you are unsure of the requirements, which type of mouthguard is best for your child, or how to teach your child to wear a mouthguard properly.

Your child can stay safe and healthy while participating in his sport, and experience no damage to his braces. Make sure he knows he must wear it consistently, and how to take care of it. He will have more fun playing sports, and have better dental health.

How To Care For Mouthguards

Posted on March 12, 2015March 12, 2015 by Dr. Dana Walters

Mouthguards for youth sports are only useful if they are in good condition. Some tips can keep your mouthguard effective and long-lasting.

1. Each time you remove the mouthguard after using it, it needs to be cleaned. It can be cleaned with your regular toothpaste and toothbrush. Scrub it gently to remove residue and bacteria. Store the mouthguard in a case to protect it from damage. When you purchase the mouthguard, it should come with a protective case. It should be kept in the case whenever you are not wearing it.

2. Never try to change the size or shape of your mouthguard. It will not be effective if it has been cut. Cuts and tears in a mouthguard can also damage the inside of your mouth. If you find the mouthguard does not fit appropriately, purchase a new one.

3. Keep the mouthguard away from hot water and direct sunlight. Sun and hot water can cause a mouthguard to melt, and its shape may change so it is no longer effective.

4. Each time you visit the dentist, take your mouthguard with you. Your dentist can examine it to make sure it is still in good condition. He will also let you know if the mouthguard needs to be replaced.

A mouthguard may need to be replaced even if it does not become damaged. Boys and girls who are under twelve or thirteen years of age may need a new mouthguard once per year. This is because a child’s body is still developing.

Older kids who participate in youth sports may not need new mouthguards if they are using custom-made athletic mouthguards. If the child is an older teen, proper care of a mouthguard can mean never needing to replace it.

This Spring, Think about the sport your child is interested in, and discuss with him the importance of taking care of his mouthguard. It can make the difference between a mouthguard that stays in good condition, or one that must be replaced often.

At Dana Walters DDS we make custom mouthguards, and if your child is in need of an updated or new mouthguard, please contact us today.

Choosing Mouthguards For Youth Sports

Posted on March 5, 2015 by Dr. Dana Walters

With Spring right around the corner, now is a good time to learn about the importance of mouthguards for youth sports. Whether your son or daughter plays Lacrosse or some other sport, plan to buy a mouthguard when you buy your child’s sports equipment.

You can choose from three different types of mouthguards. An important point to know is all types of mouthguards are effective. The differences between the mouthguards are cost, comfort, and how long they will last.

If cost is an issue, consider a stock mouthguard. This type of mouthguard is ready-made, and is available in small, medium, and large sizes. You can purchase a stock mouthguard from any store that sells sports equipment.

The boil-and-bite mouthguard is more comfortable. The mouthguard is meant to be softened with hot water, and molds to fit your child’s teeth.

The custom-made mouthguard is the most comfortable and durable. This type of mouthguard can be made right in our office. It is the best option if your child wears braces. If your child is a young teenager, this mouthguard can last for as long as he or she plays sports. With proper care, it will not have to be replaced.

Your child should never play a sport without wearing a mouthguard. Not only can there be damage to unprotected teeth, not wearing a mouthguard can result in damage to your child’s gums and jaw.

Sports injuries can be painful and upsetting to a child. While a minor injury can take the fun out of sports, serious injuries can require hospitalization or extensive dental work. If you do not want your son or daughter to have these experiences, protection from injury is as simple as wearing a mouthguard.

If you are not sure which type of mouthguard is right for your child, discuss youth sports with your dentist. This small piece of equipment can keep your child healthy and safe on the playing field or on the basketball court. Your dentist can recommend a mouthguard that will work for your child, and is affordable for you. Your child may never experience a sports injury when he is prepared and protected.

Custom Mouth Protectors

Posted on June 24, 2014June 24, 2014 by Dr. Dana Walters

Mouthguards, which are also known as mouth protectors, are an essential piece of safety equipment that can help you minimize a wide variety of injuries. They can help cushion face blows, ensuring that you protect your teeth and lips, tongue, and jaw. They are a good way to cover your upper teeth and can help protect the softer tissues in your mouth. If you plan on engaging in competitive sports, or have a child participating in sport activities, having a mouthguard will ensure that you keep an important part of your body safe. In fact, it is highly recommended for you to wear a mouthguard just as you would a helmet or other safety equipment. They can help you save money on expensive dental procedures by protecting your teeth and mouth from harm.

If you are interested in custom mouth protectors for yourself or a child involved in sports, be sure to contact our office, Dana Walters D.D.S. in Hilliard and Upper Arlington, Ohio. Dr. Walters will ensure that you get the right equipment made for your needs. He offers custom mouth protectors that are a perfect fit made from a mold of your own mouth, and are the best option for protection.