Many people think that only the high-contact sports, like basketball and football, require the use of mouthguards. Well, that is simply not true. There are other sports that threaten your smile and increase your chances of oral injury; those sports are:
Bicycling
Bicycling is a hobby that can severely damage your smile. Whether you are a BMX racer, mountain biker, or traditional cycler, there is a chance that a bump or rock in the road can alter the path of your tires and send you flying face first into the road. When this happens, your teeth can get chipped, fractured, or completely knocked out of your mouth.
Skateboarding
Skateboarding can harm your smile the same way bicycling can. Even a small rock in the road can stop your wheels and can send you crashing into the ground. If you don’t have a mouthguard on, your smile can be severely damaged.
Volleyball
Generally, the spiking in volleyball is what threatens your smile the most. If someone spikes the ball right at your mouth, the force could knock your teeth and jaw right out of place. This is why wearing a mouthguard is recommended while you play.
Baseball/Softball
Baseball and softball are two sports that can cause damage to your teeth and jaw, whether you believe it or not. At any point in the game, the ball could soar toward your mouth and cause extreme trauma to your smile. This is why it is best to wear a mouthguard while you are hitting and while you are playing defense.
Surfing
Many people don’t see surfing as a threat to their smile because they are surrounded by water. If you are one of these people, think of the surfboard and the ocean ground. When you crash, the wave can send the board up toward your face or it can send you face first into the ground. These are times when a mouthguard would be extremely beneficial.
Call Creekside Dental Ellensburg today if you’re interested in learning more about mouthguards in Ellensburg, Washington! All you need to do is dial 509-933-4800 and your dentist, Dr. Kevin Packard, and our caring dental team will be more than happy to help you. Just remember that if you protect your smile with a mouthguard while you are active, you can maintain a strong and successful oral health for a lifetime!