Do I Need to Wear a Mouthguard?

Springtime is time to remind our patients at Legler Orthodontics to protect their teeth while out on the field playing sports. Whether you are playing football, hockey, boxing, lacrosse, or any other contact sport it’s very important to have a proper fitting mouthguard.  Mouthguards will help cushion your teeth from impact that might otherwise cause broken teeth. In addition to preventing broken teeth, mouthguards can prevent jaw fractures, cheek and lip injuries, mouth lacerations and reduce the severity of concussions. Additionally, orthodontic patients need to take extra precautions and wear a mouthguard that is specifically for braces.

According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high school athletes and adults have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events annually.

If you are planning on participating in spring sports, it’s imperative to have a proper fitting mouthguard. We have even seen cheerleaders and gymnasts with injuries to their teeth from lack of mouthguards!  So everyone go outside, enjoy your sports, and WEAR A MOUTHGUARD!!

Dr. L