The Importance of Wearing a Mouth Guard to Prevent Sports-Related Injuries

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One often overlooked element of preventing sports-related injuries is reducing the risk of injuries to the mouth and teeth. According to the American Dental Association, wearing a mouth guard when playing sports can reduce the risk of an injury to the mouth or face by 82% to 93%. And yet, people often forget about mouth guards or don’t wear them as frequently as they should.

Make no mistake: Wearing a mouth guard is crucial to keeping yourself safe when playing sports. The team at Babylon Dental Care wants you to stay safe when playing sports, and you’ll find everything you need to know about mouth guards and how they protect you here.

How Mouth Guards Help Prevent Sports-Related Injuries

Here are some ways mouth guards help keep you safe when playing sports:

  • Protect Teeth from Impact: Mouth guards cushion your teeth from blows and collisions, preventing chips, fractures, and knockouts. This is especially important in contact sports like football, hockey, and basketball.
  • Prevent Lip and Cheek Injuries: A mouth guard acts as a barrier between your teeth and the soft tissues in your mouth. During hard impacts, it helps prevent cuts and bruises to your lips, cheeks, and tongue.
  • Reduce Jaw Injuries: Mouth guards absorb and distribute the force of a blow, reducing the risk of jaw fractures or dislocations. They also help prevent injuries to the jaw joint, which can be painful and difficult to heal.
  • Decrease Risk of Concussions: While not a guarantee, wearing a mouth guard can help reduce the severity of impacts to the jaw and head, potentially lowering the risk of concussions. By absorbing shock and spreading it across a larger area, mouth guards can mitigate some impact forces that might otherwise lead to brain injuries.

How to Choose a Mouth Guard and Make Sure It Fits Correctly

Choosing the right mouth guard and ensuring it fits properly can significantly reduce the risk of sports-related injuries and protect your smile. Here’s how to select the best mouth guard and ensure it fits correctly:

Types of Mouth Guards:

  • Stock Mouth Guards: These are pre-made and ready to wear. They are inexpensive but often don’t fit well and can be uncomfortable.
  • Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards: Made from thermoplastic, these mouth guards get soft in hot water and can be adjusted to fit your mouth. They offer a better fit than stock mouth guards.
  • Custom-Fitted Mouth Guards: These are made by a dentist specifically for your mouth. They provide the best fit and protection but are more expensive.

Ensuring a Proper Fit:

  • Comfort: The mouth guard should feel comfortable and not bulky. Make sure you can breathe and speak easily while wearing it.
  • Coverage: Your mouth guard should cover your teeth and gums entirely without extending too far back into your mouth, which could cause gagging.
  • Stability: A well-fitted mouth guard stays in place securely without needing constant adjustments. It should fit snugly around your teeth without shifting.

Caring for Your Mouth Guard:

  • Clean Regularly: Rinse your mouth guard before and after each use and brush it with a toothbrush and toothpaste regularly to keep it clean.
  • Storage: Store your mouth guard in a ventilated case to allow it to dry completely. Avoid leaving it in hot water or direct sunlight, which can deform the material.

Try Babylon Dental Care’s Custom Sports Mouth Guards Today

The best way to protect your teeth and avoid sports-related injuries is by getting a custom mouth guard from Babylon Dental Care. Our custom mouth guards provide exceptional comfort and safety for both collision and non-contact sports. Contact us online or at (631) 983-6665 today or reach out online to schedule a contact.

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“This is quite possibly the most impressive Dental office I’ve ever seen. All the staff goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome. The office is so gorgeous through out. I loved my hygienist, she was very knowledgeable and very thorough and informative about being proactive with your hygiene habits. Dr Hsu was amazing. I highly recommend him. Very professional and explains everything he’s doing and that you’re comfortable during the visit. I’m really glad I found this office and my new Dentist.”

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“I went there during covid as my dentist was shut down by the pandemic. They really do everything they can to make you feel good about your experience. Melanie who cleans my teeth as well is wonderful and does a great job everything by the time I leave I don't want to go. Excellent place for dental work. They go above and beyond.”

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“At Babylon Dental Care, “care” is given from arrival to check out. I was anxious; it had been a few years since my last filling. From the moment I walked into the exam room, Karen comforted me. She explained the process, answered my questions and talked with me to keep me calm. Dr. Wrann was excellent! I did not have any pain before, during or after the procedure. So happy! Thank you to a truly great team!”

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“I cannot adequately express my appreciation for this practice. Best dental practice ever! Everyone is so kind, caring and respectful. I don't dread going to the dentist anymore. I've had a lot of work done and am extremely pleased. They are very gentle and strive to keep you pain free. Very professional from reception on up. I highly recommend Babylon Dental. Would give them 10 stars if I could!”

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“I've never had such an amazing experience at a dentist. They are so kind, so caring, so friendly, and really make you feel appreciated and not just like a patient number. I am blown away by the care I received here, and will be recommending them to everyone I know!”

Jessica C

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“Babylon Dental Care is an amazing practice! I had an issue with my teeth and they took me immediately. Their friendly and compassionate staff walked me through each step and in a matter of a week I had that tooth extracted and my flipper ready for every day use! You can’t even tell I have it in! The office is spotless and they even have Netflix! How cool is that! You’re welcomed as soon as you walk in and they made me feel so comfortable. Dr. Golo and Dr. Knakal took such good care of me and I would recommend them to anyone! The office is so convenient and literally across the street from my home so it doesn’t get better than that! Thank you Babylon Dental!”

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“I recently moved approximately 300 miles away, I continue to make the trip back to Babylon Dental Care. My hygienist Paige could not be kinder, friendlier or professional. I have been having issues with bone loss in my jaws and now it's time for implants. Dr. Knakal has been outstanding. I know I am in the best hands. Everyone I have dealt with at BDC from the receptionists to the checkout personnel are awesome! I will be continuing to make the trip for all my dental care.”

Pete R

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“Very professional staff and the hygienist Melody is amazing. The dentist are very thorough and they explained every little bit of details of your procedure. They make you feel so relaxed and welcoming. I would recommend Babylon Dental Care to anyone.”

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“Professional and courteous staff, every time I come here I’m more than satisfied. Dr Wrann & Dr Knakal are exceptionally good. I would highly recommend Babylon Dental!”

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“I've been coming here for about a year and a half. I have always had Francesca and she's great. She's always professional, friendly and honest with me. They have a pretty good system with the walkie-talkies too which makes the process more or less pretty smooth. I also really appreciate that they are transparent up front with cost, not many places are like that in my experiences.”

Scott A

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“I have been using Babylon Dental Care for almost 10 years. Dr. Brown, Jen, Melody and Michelle are incredible. They are always concerned with the patients well being and health making it a different experience. They treat you like family, not a patient. I use them for dentistry and their silent night therapy. Thank you for taking care of my family. Great job team!”

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“Amazing experience getting my teeth cleaned at Babylon Dental Care. Melody is fantastic and provided a top-notch painless service. Highly recommend.”

Ron S

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“First time here, never felt so comfortable at the dentist. Super clean and friendly staff. Corrin and Dr. Brown are absolutely wonderful! Very thorough and knowledgeable.”

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“I would highly recommend Babylon Dental Care. The Drs and Staff are all very friendly and professional. They take the extra time to explain the procedures which are truly done gently and with care. I saw Dr. Knakal and Dr. Diamond. The lobby is comfortable and the dental work areas are immaculate. Also, I have never had to wait very long before being seen!”

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“First visit and everyone was so nice and made the transition to a new dentist seamless! Corinn did a great cleaning and explained everything as she was doing it!”

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“From the moment I walked in it was a great experience. The facility is modern and clean. I was treated extremely well. And I really don't like going to the dentist but I'm actually looking forward to my next visit. Everyone I met was great! Thank you for making me feel comfortable.”

Tom M

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“Dr. David and the entire staff at Babylon Dental Care are amazing! Every single person who works there is so kind compassionate. I’m a very nervous patient and Dr. David and his assistant Amber made me feel so at ease. I highly recommend Babylon Dental Care especially if you’re an anxious patient!”

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“Love this office and all staff! From the front desk, to the hygienist, the dentists and the lovely ladies that check you out, it’s a top notch experience. I trust them 100%!”

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“This was my first time at this Dental office. I went in for a cleaning and dental exam. The office is Clean and modern. I felt comfortable and welcomed right from the start. My hygienist 'Melody' was great! I feel that she was very thorough, talked me through everything she was doing and made recommendations for improving my routine at home. My dental exam with Dr. Diamond was just as pleasant. I liked that she also took her time and I didn't feel rushed. All-in-all it was a good experience. The entire team at the clinic displayed a high level of professionalism and made me feel comfortable throughout my visit.”

Brenda S

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