Participating in athletic activities is a great way to stay active, build confidence and enjoy time with teammates and family. However, athletes of all ages face the risk of dental injuries while playing. Working with a sports dentist like Dr. John J. Denison can help athletes protect their teeth, prevent injuries and find the right solutions for their needs. At Denison Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Newport News, VA, sports dentistry focuses on preventing and treating injuries while helping patients maintain healthy smiles during athletic activities.
Protecting Smiles During Athletic Activities
This type of dentistry helps prevent and treat injuries that occur during athletic activities. A sports dentist helps educate athletes about protecting their smiles with the right equipment and preventive care. Dental injuries can happen during athletic activities, recreational activities and everyday athletic routines, making prevention an important part of oral health.
At Denison Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Denison helps patients understand the importance of protecting their teeth while participating in athletic activities. By working with a sports dentist, athletes can take proactive steps to reduce their risk of injuries.
Why Athletes Need a Mouthguard
A properly fitted mouthguard is one of the most important pieces of protective equipment for athletes. A sports dentist can help determine the right type of mouthguard based on an athlete’s needs, sport and dental health.
injuries can result in chipped, cracked, broken, or knocked-out teeth, which may require extensive treatment. A custom mouthguard helps absorb impact and provides protection during athletic activities.
A dental visit allows athletes to receive a mouthguard designed for comfort, fit and protection. This can help prevent painful emergencies and protect your smile throughout the season.
Types of Mouthguards
There are several types of mouthguards available, including:
- Stock mouthguards
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards
- Vacuum custom-made mouthguards
- Pressure laminated custom-made mouthguards
While store-bought options may seem convenient, a sports dentist like Dr. Denison can provide a customized option that offers a better fit and more personalized protection. Factors like mouth shape, dental development and the type of sport being played can all affect the right mouthguard choice.
For athletes with braces, a sports dentist can also recommend protective options designed to help safeguard orthodontic appliances during athletic activities.
Benefits of a Custom Guard
A custom guard provides protection designed around an athlete’s specific needs. At our office, patients have access to Under Armour Performance Mouthwear™, which helps protect teeth while supporting athletic performance.
A sports dentist can help athletes understand the benefits of a custom guard, including:
- Protecting teeth from athletic-related injuries
- Helping protect the lips, gums, cheeks and tongue
- Reducing impact on the jaw
- Helping protect orthodontic appliances
- Providing a comfortable, customized fit
A properly fitted mouthguard can become an essential part of athletic equipment, just like helmets, pads and other protective gear.
Protecting More Than Just Teeth
Many athletes focus on protecting their bodies during athletic activities, but the mouth and face are also vulnerable to injury. A sports dentist like Dr. Denison understands how important it is to protect the teeth, gums, jaw and surrounding areas during athletic activities.
A mouthguard creates a protective barrier that helps reduce the risk of damage caused by impact. Taking preventive steps before an injury happens can help athletes avoid future dental concerns.
For children and teens, visiting a sports dentist can be especially beneficial, because their smiles are still developing and may require specialized protection.
Why Choose Us?
At our office, athletes receive personalized care focused on protecting their smiles. A sports dentist like Dr. Denison can evaluate your needs and recommend the right protective solution based on your activity level and dental health.
Whether you or your child participates in athletics or recreational activities, a custom guard can help protect your smile from injury.
Request Your Appointment Today
Working with a sports dentist like Dr. John J. Denison is an important step in preventing injuries and maintaining a healthy smile while staying active. At Denison Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Newport News, VA, our team helps athletes find protective solutions designed for comfort, performance and long-term oral health.
Request your appointment today to discover how a custom mouthguard can help protect your smile during every game, practice and activity.
