Treatments

Sports Mouthguards in Burien, WA

Protecting your teeth during sports activities is just as important as wearing proper safety gear for your body. At Burien Signature Dentistry, we understand that active individuals in Burien need reliable dental protection that doesn’t interfere with their performance.

Dr. Andy Kim and our experienced team provide custom-fitted sports mouthguards that offer superior protection compared to over-the-counter options. Whether you’re playing contact sports like football and hockey or participating in activities with potential for dental injury, our custom mouthguards are designed to keep your smile safe while allowing you to focus on your game.

Why Sports Mouthguards Are Essential

Dental injuries are among the most common sports-related injuries, affecting millions of athletes each year. The American Dental Association recommends always keeping a knocked out tooth moist. If possible, place the tooth back into the socket without touching the root. If this is not possible you can place it between your cheek and gums. Be sure to contact your dentist right away Unfortunately, many dental emergencies could be prevented with proper protection.

Sports mouthguards act as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing and distributing impact forces that could otherwise result in chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth. They also protect your soft tissues, including your lips, tongue, and cheeks, from cuts and injuries caused by your own teeth during impact.

Beyond protecting your teeth, mouthguards can help prevent more serious injuries like jaw fractures and concussions by cushioning blows to the jaw area. This comprehensive protection makes them an invaluable investment for any athlete, regardless of age or skill level.

Custom vs. Over-the-Counter Mouthguards

While drugstore mouthguards might seem like a convenient option, custom-fitted mouthguards from our general dentistry practice offer significant advantages. Custom mouthguards are created from impressions of your unique dental structure, ensuring a perfect fit that stays securely in place during activity.

The superior fit of custom mouthguards means better protection and greater comfort. You’ll be able to speak clearly, breathe normally, and drink water without removing the guard. This comfort factor is crucial for compliance – athletes are more likely to consistently wear protection that doesn’t interfere with their performance.

Over-the-counter options often feel bulky, shift during play, and can actually become a choking hazard if they become dislodged. The poor fit also means inadequate protection, defeating the purpose of wearing a mouthguard in the first place.

The Custom Mouthguard Process

Creating your custom sports mouthguard at Burien Signature Dentistry is a straightforward process. During your appointment, we’ll take precise impressions of your teeth using comfortable, safe materials. These impressions capture every detail of your dental structure, allowing us to craft a mouthguard that fits like a second skin.

Our laboratory uses high-quality materials to fabricate your mouthguard, ensuring durability that can withstand the demands of athletic competition. The finished product is a thin, comfortable guard that provides maximum protection without compromising your ability to communicate with teammates or coaches.

We’ll ensure proper fit during a follow-up appointment and make any necessary adjustments. We’ll also provide care instructions to help extend the life of your mouthguard and maintain optimal protection throughout the sports season.

Sports That Benefit from Mouthguards

While contact sports like football, hockey, and wrestling obviously require mouthguard protection, many other activities pose significant risks to dental health. Basketball, baseball, soccer, skateboarding, and martial arts all involve potential for dental injury from contact with other players, equipment, or hard surfaces.

Even individual sports like cycling and gymnastics can result in facial trauma that damages teeth. The investment in custom protection is minimal compared to the cost and discomfort of treating dental injuries, especially when considering potential emergency dentistry needs.

Young athletes deserve special consideration, as their developing teeth and jaws are particularly vulnerable to injury. Establishing the habit of wearing proper protection early creates a foundation for lifelong dental health and injury prevention.

Caring for Your Sports Mouthguard

Proper maintenance extends the life of your custom mouthguard and ensures continued protection. After each use, rinse the guard with cool water and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush. Store it in the provided ventilated case to prevent damage and allow air circulation.

Regular cleaning with denture cleaner or antimicrobial rinse helps prevent bacterial buildup and maintains freshness. Avoid exposing your mouthguard to heat, as high temperatures can warp the material and compromise the fit.

Bring your mouthguard to regular dental exams so we can assess its condition and ensure it’s still providing optimal protection. As your teeth naturally shift over time or if you undergo orthodontic treatment, your mouthguard may need adjustment or replacement.

Beyond Sports: Other Protective Applications

Custom mouthguards aren’t just for sports. If you grind your teeth at night, custom nightguards use similar technology to protect your teeth from the damaging effects of bruxism. The same precision fit and quality materials that make sports mouthguards effective also make nightguards an excellent solution for protecting your teeth during sleep.

Protect Your Smile with Dr. Andy Kim at Burien Signature Dentistry

Don’t let a preventable dental injury sideline you from the activities you love. Our custom sports mouthguards provide the protection you need with the comfort that encourages consistent use. Dr. Andy Kim graduated from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine in 2017 and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry program, giving him the expertise to create protective solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Ready to protect your smile? Contact Burien Signature Dentistry today at (206) 246-3222 or visit our contact page to schedule your custom mouthguard consultation.