Local Oakville, ON dentist: A mouthguard can avoid an emergency situation

Ontario is ice hockey central, with lacrosse, football, and soccer not far behind in popularity. What do these sports have in common? Risk of injury to the head, face, and mouth. Sports injuries to those areas can be common and most will require emergency dental treatment for children and adults. As a dentist committed to the wellbeing of patients in the local Burlington and Oakville, ON area, Dr. Tuli and her team at Burloak Centre Dentistry share this insight.

Avoiding trauma

A custom-fit mouthguard should be worn for any activity that can cause impact to the face – including a fall to the ground (basketball, horseback riding, or cycling) or a ball to the face (baseball or tennis). Almost any athletic activity can cause the jaw to snap shut suddenly with great force.

These are frequent sports injuries that can be minimized with a mouthguard:

• Soft tissue – Biting tongue, lip, or inside of cheek, or external trauma to lips.
• Teeth – Broken, fractured, dislodged, or knocked out.
• Dental work – Damaged fillings, crowns, bridges, dental implants, and veneers.
• Orthodontics – Braces knocked loose or damaged.
• Concussion – By absorbing shock and helping to stabilize the head and neck, a mouthguard limits movement from direct impact to the jaw. This may reduce risk of trauma to the jaw and a concussion (mild traumatic brain injury).

A cost-effective measure

A custom-fit mouthguard costs a little more than a store-bought model but provides a superior level of protection. Because it is comfortable, allowing speech and natural breathing, your child is more likely to wear it conscientiously and correctly. The price is far less than the expense of an emergency dental appointment or visit to the hospital.

Remember – if you do have any type of dental emergency, we are here to help! Walk in or call (905) 581-4436 for prompt, compassionate assistance.