We love our sports, and athletes here stay active from the first day of summer all the way through fall. All of that activity is great — but it also means more chances for a dental injury to happen. One hit to the mouth can crack a tooth or knock one out completely. That kind of injury hurts, takes a long time to fix, and costs a lot of money. The good news is that it is easy to prevent.

Fresno summers are hot, busy, and full of action. Kids are playing baseball, soccer, and football. Adults are joining recreational leagues and hitting the gym.

Call Nathan E. Vick DDS, Inc. at 559-242-1356 for an appointment.

Your Mouth Needs Protection, Too

Basketball, football, soccer, wrestling, and baseball all create moments where the teeth and jaw can get hurt. It does not take much to hurt your teeth during a game. A bump, a fall, or contact with another player can cause a serious injury in seconds. 

Sports mouthguards in Fresno sit right over your teeth and soak up that impact before it does any real damage. Without one, your mouth has no defense at all.

Most athletes think about helmets, pads, and the right pair of cleats before a game. Those things matter. But the mouth almost never makes the list, even though it takes a lot of hits during sports. 

A Custom Mouthguard Fits Better & Works Better

Sporting goods stores carry plenty of mouthguard options at low prices. It is tempting to just grab one and call it done. But those guards are built for the average mouth, and your mouth is not average — it is yours. A loose mouthguard moves around during play and does not absorb impact the way it should. Many athletes end up taking it out because it feels uncomfortable.

Your dentist makes a custom mouthguard using a mold of your actual teeth. That means it fits you and only you — staying put during play and never getting in the way of breathing or talking to teammates. Athletes who try a custom guard almost always prefer it over anything from a store.

What Can Happen Without One

Dental injuries happen to athletes of all ages, and most of them can have been avoided. Dental injuries are not small problems. 

A knocked-out tooth needs urgent care. Waiting too long means the tooth may not be saved at all. Cracked teeth often need a crown or a root canal to fix. In bad cases, the tooth may need to come out completely. Cuts inside the mouth add even more pain and healing time on top of everything else.

Simple Steps to Stay Protected

Book a mouthguard fitting before your next season starts. Check it often for cracks or wear, and replace it when the fit starts to feel loose. Give it a rinse after each use and store it somewhere it can air out between sessions. One small habit goes a long way. Sports mouthguards in Fresno are just one call away.

Call Nathan E. Vick DDS, Inc. at 559-242-1356 for an appointment in Fresno, CA. You can also schedule online.