When Should I wear a Mouth Guard?

April is National Facial Protection Month! National Facial Protection Month serves as a reminder over the importance of wearing mouth guards during sports, protecting your beautiful smile.

67% of parents surveyed by the American Association of Orthodontists said their child does not wear a mouth guard, yet 70% said their biggest fear is their child getting hurt when playing sports. The most effective way to protect your childs teeth and prevent injuries is to wear a mouthguard.

About 80% of traumatic dental injuries occur to the two front teeth. Injuries can happen at any age and any skill level. So when should you wear a mouth guard? Here are just a few.

• Basketball
• Baseball
• Football
• Soccer
• Skiing
• Rugby 

Our philosophy at Hinesly Orthodontics is combining art, science and expertise to provide the highest level of orthodontic care possible. We value your trust and confidence and will work to exceed your expectations.

Facial Protection Month: Types of Mouth Guards

Did you know from the ages of 7 to 11 years old, children are most vulnerable to sports related mouth injuries? The importance of protecting our smile should be stressed enough and should remind our friends and community how easy it is to protect our teeth.

Wearing a mouthguard is the safest way to protect your teeth while playing sports or just enjoying sports related activities. Athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer a teeth related injury if they’re not wearing a mouth guard.

Here are the three types of mouth guards you can wear, especially if you are currently in orthodontic treatment.

• Custom fitted mouth guards - these are made by your dentist and can be molded to fit your smile perfectly 

• Stock mouth guards - these type of mouth guards are  performed and may be a bit bulky

• Boil and bite mouth guards - are mouth guards that are softened by boiling water and then insert your mouth, to form to the shape of your mouth.