Whether you’ve joined an intramural adult league or are enrolling a child, contact sports are a great way to stay in shape. These high-intensity activities can be an endless source of fun so long as you’re careful. Remember to protect your teeth too, by wearing a proper mouthguard. The following guide explores mouthguards and how they can help you avoid unnecessary trips to the dentist.

Why Are Mouthguards Important?

A fall, bump, or collision is all it takes to damage a tooth. It could be a minor chip on the corner, a large fracture, or the tooth could even be knocked out. While a dentist can repair these immediate problems with cosmetic dentistry treatments, you must practice prevention to avoid significant problems.

For example, a large fracture lets bacteria enter a tooth’s sensitive inner canals, leading to a severe infection that can kill the tooth. However, a mouthguard absorbs the shock of a hit, preventing injuries that could result in oral damage.

What Type of Mouthguard Is Best?

Store-bought mouthguards are a fast and easy option, but they won’t provide advanced protection since they’re one-size-fits-all. We can provide custom mouthguards by taking molds of the mouth and then create the guard in our office, so it perfectly fits over every tooth. This results in greater protection, and the mouthguard will also fit more comfortably in the mouth.

Whether you want a custom mouthguard or just need an oral checkup, you’ll find all the services you need at Dental Associates of Prairie du Chien, P.C., Family Dentistry Associates of Monona, and Waukon Dental. Our oral health network is proud to offer state-of-the-art care and a broad scope of treatment options. Our team welcomes patients of all ages and can handle cosmetic dentistry needs and general care. Visit our practices online to learn more about our services.