Protect Your Smile use a mouthguard when playing sports

Not too many people know that they need a mouth guard every time they engage in sports. And when I say sports, these practically cover everything from basketball, soccer, football, skiing, weightlifting, hockey, racquetball, volleyball, rugby, skateboarding, figure skating, cheerleading, softball, tennis, gymnastics, karate, mountain biking… I’m sure you get the picture. Mouth guards should be worn by any one, whether you’re a child or an adult, in almost any sport, whether it’s a contact sport or a non-contact sport.

In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists recommend that that even when you or your kids are just riding bikes or getting a game together with the kids in your neighborhood, it is a good idea to wear mouth guards. Any time you’re engaged in an activity where your face can come in contact with something hard – say another player, a ball, the pavement, or any hard object – it’s a time to wear a mouth guard!

Accidents can happen during any physical activity and using a mouth guard helps limit the risk of mouth-related injuries to your lips, tongue, and soft tissues of your mouth. Mouth guards also help you avoid chipped or broken teeth, nerve damage to a tooth or even tooth loss. Equally important, repairing the problems that happen to teeth and jaws is not only uncomfortable but can cost thousands of dollars too.

Since many injuries can be far less severe or even prevented altogether by the simple act of wearing a mouth guard, wear it next time you play sport. Your smile is the first thing people notice about you. Using a mouth guard is a smart investment in your dental health, and helps protect that warm, positive smile that gives people a glimpse of how a wonderful person you are!

Dr. Welch, with his dog Nikki. Dr. Welch is a specialty trained orthodontist. He was a professor, researcher, published author and a decorated military officer during his 15 years in general dentistry. He has been teaching and practicing exclusively orthodontics since 1997.

Dr. Fenn Welch DDS, MS is the Director of Welch Orthodontics, 702-240-2300 /www.welchortho.com