It’s back to school time, and for many students it also means getting back to sports. Volleyball, cross country, and especially football is already into heavy practice mode with hopes for a winning season ahead. But is your player taking every precaution to be safe, especially when it comes to their head, face, and even teeth?
The National Youth Sports Foundation for the Prevention of Athletic Injuries indicates the most common type of injury in participation sports is dental-related, and reports more than 600,000 emergency room visits due to dental injuries every year. These types of injuries also mean very costly services to replant or replace even one tooth. It’s why the Hilldale Dental team believes custom made mouthguards are essential in the prevention of oral or facial injuries and concussions, which have become a health and safety focus in football. A recent study by the Academy of General Dentistry shows custom made mouthguards reduced concussion risk by helping absorb shock, stabilize the head and neck, and limit movement caused by a direct hit to the jaw.
Mouthguards prevent 200,000 injuries to high school and college football players every year according to the American Dental Association. And while there are all types of mouthguards– from boil and bite to stock, which are both available in limited sizes at most sporting goods stores and offer the least amount of protection– a custom made mouthguard is properly fitted which makes it comfortable, allowing your player to easily speak and breathe. It is also resilient and durable, and provides long-lasting thickness for critical areas of the mouth. The increased thickness provides better protection from concussion than over the counter versions. Plus, strap attachments to helmets can be requested and easily adapted, although it is often not needed because of the good, personal fit of a custom made mouthguard.
Your athlete’s journey starts with the right equipment. And if there is a risk of injury to the teeth, mouth, face, or head; a custom made mouthguard can be a protecting benefit while they are on their way to victory.