Guard Your Grill — Straight Talk for Athletes with Orthodonitic Needs

Dr. Ethan Larson offers a number of options when it comes to beautifying the smiles of his patients.

 

Submitted by Smiles Orthodontics

After a minor infraction occurs, the scrum is used to restart play.
More than 35 million children ages 7 and older play in organized sports each year, and some of the most common injuries sustained during play are to the mouth.

More than 35 million children ages 7 and older participated in some sort of organized sport last year, according to a 2014 study conducted in part by “USA Today.” Kids who play team and individual sports reap the development of important social skills and fitness benefits. With the right safety equipment, athletics can be very rewarding for children and adults.

Experts recommend that athletes wear custom mouth guards, regardless of whether the activity is a contact sport or not. That’s because 10 to 20 percent of injuries reported in 2014 on the field or the mat are to the face, teeth or jaw. There is even some research that suggests that wearing a mouth guard can reduce the risk of concussions and head trauma.

The American Dental Association suggests that a mouth guard is beneficial for use in the following sports: acrobats, basketball, boxing, field/ice hockey, football, gymnastics, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, roller hockey, rugby, shot putting, skateboarding, skiing, skydiving, soccer, squash, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting and wrestling.

Some of the most common injuries suffered to the mouth during sport-related injury include breaking teeth in half, partial extrusion and, in some cases, the loss of one or more teeth. It’s important for athletes to wear mouth guards because these help to limit damage to the teeth, lips, cheeks and braces.

Most players wear their mouth guard during games, but Puyallup orthodontist Dr. Ethan Larson explains that it’s also important to wear a guard during team drills. The Center for Disease Control reports that 62 percent of sports-related injuries take place during practice.

For those with orthodontics, sports injuries can be particularly problematic. Kids who are currently in orthodontic treatment, explains Dr. Larson, should purchase a specialized mouth guard made just for braces.

Dr. Ethan Larson offers a number of options when it comes to beautifying the smiles of his patients.
If you or your child plays sports, a mouth guard could be the small difference you need to ensure the health and safety of your mouth.

Smiles Orthodontics knows how important a winning smile is to an athlete’s game-face. That’s why the Puyallup office, located directly across the street from the Puyallup’s Pioneer Park, offers complimentary mouth guards for young athletes.

“We offer free mouth guards to the kids in our community,” says Angi Reeves, PR Coordinator at Smiles Orthodontics. Local athletes can stop by the office to pick up their mouth guard, available in flavors and colors that match the local schools and sport teams.

Getting the Most Out of Your Mouth Guard

An orthodontist can help to determine if a player needs a mouth guard that is custom-fit or a standard mouth guard. Whichever protective gear an athlete elects to use, a good mouth guard should be comfortable, tear-resistant, durable, easy to clean and not restrictive to breathing or speech.

To make a mouth guard last, athletes should:

  • rinse before and after each use or brush with a toothbrush and toothpaste
  • occasionally clean the mouth guard in cool, soapy water and rinse thoroughly
  • transport the mouth guard in a sturdy, ventilated container
  • never leave a mouth guard in the sun or sitting in hot water
  • check for wear and tear to see if it needs replacing

For more information about Dr. Ethan Larson and the complimentary sports guards offered at his local office or to pick up your free mouth guard, visit Smiles Orthodontics at its Puyallup location (210 4th Ave. SW, Puyallup) or call 253-848-4537 for more information.