On Guard! Protect Your Sporting Smile With a Custom Mouthguard
In Peoria, Arizona, sports are a big part of the community, from basketball to baseball and football. While the focus is on performance, one of the most overlooked aspects of sports is the use of a mouthguard. Without it, you put your smile at risk of broken teeth, soft tissue cuts, and other sports injuries.
At Pleasant Valley Dentistry, we offer custom sports guards that provide superior protection in the field of play. Whether you are a professional, amateur, or weekend warrior, visit our office for a professionally made mouthguard.
How does a sports guard protect your smile?
Athletes who don’t wear a mouthguard are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). A sports guard acts like a shield for your teeth, gums, and jaw during athletic activities. It absorbs and redistributes the force of impact, reducing the risk of dental trauma.
An athletic guard helps prevent several injuries, including:
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Injuries to the lips and cheeks
- Jaw fractures
- Concussions
Collisions, knocks, and falls can happen quickly on the field of play. Without proper protection, sports injuries can be painful, costly, and permanent. Whatever your sport, an athletic guard is a simple yet powerful way to keep your smile safe while you play.
Custom vs. Over-the-Counter mouthguards: Which one should I choose?
You can buy a sports mouthguard at your nearest store cheaply and conveniently. However, it’s important to note that not all mouthguards are created equal. Here are reasons we recommend professional, custom-fitted mouthguards.
- A precise fit: Everyone’s mouth is unique, so a generic mouthguard won’t provide the needed fit. Store-bought mouthguards can slip or dislodge, reducing their effectiveness. Customized guards are created with precise impressions of your smile, providing a comfortable fit.
- Optimal protection: A custom sportsguard fits your exact bite, ensuring it stays securely in place even during intense play. This snug fit allows it to absorb and spread out impact more effectively, providing better protection than store-bought guards.
- Enhanced comfort: A custom guard feels natural and doesn’t interfere with breathing or speaking. You can focus on your game without the distraction of a bulky or awkward fit.
- Longevity: Custom sportsguards are made with durable, high-quality materials that withstand repeated use. They last much longer than over-the-counter guards, making them a wise investment.
Remember, it takes just one incident to break or lose a tooth in sports. Even if you are a veteran, protect your smile with a sports guard today, because injuries can happen at any time. We recommend sports guards for martial arts, basketball, football, skiing, boxing, and other high-risk and contact sports.
How do I maintain my sports guard?
Even the best mouthguards require optimal maintenance to remain strong and healthy. After every use, clean your mouthguard with a soft brush and a mild soap solution. Avoid using hot water or regular toothpaste, as these can damage the material. Once a week, give it a deeper clean to remove stubborn plaque or stains. After cleaning, air-dry your mouthguard and store it in its protective case.
Sports guards usually need replacement every 1-3 years, depending on use and growth (for younger athletes). Be sure to bring your mouthguard to your routine dental check-ups so we can inspect its condition and determine if a replacement is necessary.
Ready for a custom sports guard?
A sports guard is a simple yet powerful tool for protecting your smile on the field, court, or rink. Don’t put your smile at risk with sports injuries. Dial (623) 232-8066 and schedule your appointment with Pleasant Valley Dentistry. We offer sports guards for patients of all ages.
