Braces Guide: Do I Need a Mouth Guard for Volleyball?
Did you know that over 5 million people lose teeth every year because of sports injuries and trauma? If you currently play volleyball, our orthodontists don’t want you to be another statistic!
While not all dental injuries can be avoided by wearing a mouthguard, they play a big part in making sure your mouth is protected during both practice and games. Beyond protecting your pearly whites, mouthguards help protect your head if your jaw gets injured, protecting against both the risk of concussion and a loss of consciousness.
Do Volleyball Players Wear Mouthguards?
Yes! The American Dental Association recommends that players wear a custom mouthguard for any type of contact sport, including volleyball. It’s especially important for adults and children who wear braces to wear a mouthguard while playing sports.
Reasons to Wear a Mouthguard
There are tons of benefits of wearing a mouthguard during sports. They prevent tooth fractures, bruising, dislocation, neurologic injury, and laceration. There is also a psychological benefit to the athlete—with a mouthguard, you can play your best without worrying about the possibility of a mouth injury!
After all, athletes are 60 times more likely to injure their teeth if they aren’t wearing a mouthguard. This is a startling statistic that both parents and athletes shouldn’t ignore
Best Mouth Guards For Volleyball
It’s best to consult with an orthodontist before deciding what mouthguard is right for you. An orthodontist will ensure that your mouthguard fits well and is comfortable to wear, because at the end of the day if it isn’t comfortable, it’s likely your child won’t want to wear it.
Our mouthguards are also easy to clean, so you can ensure there isn’t a buildup of germs. Most orthodontists offer pre-made mouthguards, boil-and-bite mouthguards, and custom-fit mouthguards. While not all sports require a mouthguard, our orthodontists always recommend that your child wears one, especially if they have braces.
Visit Oakbrook Orthodontics Today
You can find mouthguards at your local sporting goods store, but custom-made mouthguards offer benefits you can’t find with over-the-counter options. Our orthodontists will work with you to make a customized mouthguard that will protect your teeth. We will also consider your dental history when making your mouthguard so we know how thick or thin it should be for maximum protection. We’re the best choice for orthodontic care in Lombard and the surrounding areas.
Give your child the tools they need to play their sport confidently. Call us today at (630) 705-7900 to schedule an appointment.