Tooth Protection and Winter Sports

Just because it’s cold out there doesn’t mean you have to give up keeping fit and active! Winter is the season for some of our favorite team sporting activities. When you’re donning your protective gear, don’t forget to protect your teeth as well.

• Basketball

This sport actually tallies one of the highest counts of dental injuries. Running, jumping, and diving for the ball on an unforgiving court can lead to tooth and jaw injuries.  

• Hockey

Notorious for the toll it takes on teeth, hockey is a game of sticks, ice, and whizzing pucks. When your sport’s penalties include the terms hooking, slashing, and tripping, the more protection, the better.

• Skiing

When you are flying down the slopes, combining powdery snow and speed, mouth protection is a good idea. This also applies to snowboarding and other snow sports.

• Wrestling

Grappling and pinning in close quarters can lead to unintended injuries after accidental contact with the mat or your opponent.

Different uniforms, different equipment, and different playing fields, but all these sports have one thing in common—the easiest way to protect your teeth while playing them is with a mouth guard.

Mouthguards generally come in three forms:

• Ready-made appliances. These are available in drugstores and sporting goods stores. They come in pre-formed sizes, so they might not be as comfortable as other options.

• The “boil-and-bite” option. This is a readily available mouthguard form that is placed in hot water. You then bite down on it to shape it to your mouth and teeth.

• Custom mouthguards. These can be fabricated just for you through our Perry office. These appliances are designed to fit your individual mouth and teeth to provide the best fit and protection. They are also usually more durable and more comfortable. If you wear braces, you would especially benefit from a custom mouthguard to prevent an injury to your mouth or braces caused by an ill-fitting appliance.

Whether you play on a team or do individual athletic activities, keeping safe as you keep fit is your first priority. We would be happy to discuss your mouthguard options for any sport at any time of the year.