Extra Protection for Your Teeth

Keep in mind that while healthy teeth are less likely to become damaged, they still can be and this is where a mouth guard can be helpful. There are several types of mouth guards that you can wear to protect yourself from a sports-related dental injury. While you can buy a one-size-fits-all solution at the drugstore, there is always a risk that it will become loose and slip out of place when you need it most. You can also purchase a kit that requires you to boil the guard and then fit it to your teeth. This too, can be amateurish in how well it fits, simply because it was not professionally created. We recommend you visit us so that can take measurements and make an impression of your mouth. This way, a mouth guard can be created in the lab to the exact specifications of your teeth. At Dennis Baik, DDS, we are confident that when you wear one of our guards, your teeth will be protected from the majority of dental injuries that occur when playing sports.

What do mouth guards look like?

It is common for our San Jose patients to be interested in mouth guards but aren't sure of whether or not they will be comfortable with the appearance of one. This is perfectly natural, since most people do not want to stand out as the one wearing too much protective gear. Fortunately, our mouth guards are created using clear plastic so they blend into the background. If you put it in when no one is looking, it is unlikely that anyone will notice your guard during practice or the game. This is another advantage of visiting our San Jose dental office for your guard. The ones sold at the store are often made of a bright color and since they do not fit perfectly, can come loose during play, making them stand out even more. However, if you or your child would prefer a bright colored mouth guard, then we can discuss creating one in the right size.

Why do people wear mouth guards?

Primarily, mouth guards are necessary when practicing or playing sports. Most people (especially adults) do not realize how common it is to sustain a face or mouth injury during a sports game. While certain sports like football are notorious for requiring players to wear guards, others, like basketball, are not. As a result, basketball players have a high rate of injury. In fact, according to the American Dental Association, the risk of sustaining an injury is 1.6 to 1.9 times higher when not wearing a mouth guard. Dental mouth guards are so effective at preventing injuries that the ADA estimates, 200,000 of them are prevented every year by wearing this small and simple device. If you are a San Jose parent looking to keep your child safe, getting them a mouth guard is an easy way to do so.

What is the risk of not wearing a mouth guard?

At Dennis Baik, DDS, we encourage patients to wear a mouth guard and parents to buy one for their children if they play sports. This can be organized sports or the weekly game of basketball in the park. Not wearing a mouth guard can cause your tooth to break, crack, chip, or even become knocked out when a runaway ball hits your face or an elbow jab comes your way. If the impact is particularly strong, a tooth could be forced upwards into the gums or a tooth could pierce through the cheek or lips – all of which can be incredibly uncomfortable and lead to a dental emergency.