Football season is over. Time to put the pads away, but not the mouth guard. A local Austin Dentist has reported that he has seen no “tooth” injuries from football in the past 14 years– local flag and tackle football leagues have made it mandatory for all athletes to wear a mouth guard. On the other hand, soccer, basketball and baseball players are still chipping away. Take a look at NBA basketball players this season and you’ll see more and more wearing mouth guards. Mouth guards will absorb some of the impact if you get hit in the mouth and are designed to prevent your own teeth from smashing together. Researchers are studying the relationship between concussions and lack of mouth guard. Google “mouth guard research” if you want to read more. By the way, it is not mandatory for players in the NFL to wear a mouth guard. Maybe the NFL Player’s Association should talk with my dentist?
There are several different types of mouth guards ranging in cost from 99 cents to hundreds of dollars for custom fitted appliances. Talk with your dentist to see what they recommend for you and your child. 1379 carries a couple different brands and styles. Don’t be frustrated if you need to try several different devices before your kid is comfortable in one. Think about how you try on shoes before you buy them. All mouths are different and they grow and change over time. Have your child wear the mouth guard around the house to get used to it. And talk with your dentist, some insurance companies will cover the cost of your new “dental appliance”. Don’t take your teeth for granted. Wear a mouth guard.
