Mouth Guards Sports equipment that protects the smile

 Each year, thousands of teens get hurt on the playing field, the basketball court, or while skateboarding, biking or during other activities. Blows to the face in nearly every sport can injure your teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue.
A properly fitted mouth guard, or mouth protector, is an important piece of athletic gear that can protect your teeth and smile. You may have seen them used in contact sports, such as football, boxing, and ice hockey.
However, you don’t have to be on the football field to benefit from a mouth guard. New findings in sports dentistry show that even in non-contact sports such as gymnastics, rollerblading, and field hockey, mouth guards help protect teeth. Many experts recommend that a mouth guard be worn for any recreational activity that poses a risk of injury to the mouth.
There are three types of mouth guards:
• The ready-made, or stock, mouth guard;
• the mouthformed ―boil and bite mouth guard;
• and the custom-made mouth guard made by your dentist.
All three mouth guards provide protection but vary in comfort and cost.
The most effective mouth guard should have several features: It should be resilient, tear resistant and comfortable. It should fit properly, be durable and easy to clean, and not restrict your speech or breathing.
Generally, a mouth guard covers only the upper teeth, but in some cases the dentist will instead make a mouth guard for the lower teeth. Your dentist can suggest the right mouth guard for you.
Don’t take your teeth for granted. Protect your smile with a mouth guard.
NOA Dental at 661-857-7662.  NOA Dental is a general, specialty, and cosmetic dental office that provides comprehensive, quality care for new and current patients both children and adults.  www.NOA Dental.net.