Peter A. Pate, DDSIf you’re an athlete, you know the importance of protective gear. You wouldn’t dream of playing a soccer game without shin guards. You wouldn’t consider entering a boxing ring without your gloves. We’re concerned about your well-being, too, which is why we champion the underdog of protective gear – the dark horse of sports armor – the athletic mouthguard. As an athlete and a dentist, Dr. Pate knows firsthand how essential the mouthguard is to preserving your natural teeth and preventing potentially serious injuries.
We’ve all seen photos of the quintessential toothless hockey player after a game. Without a mouthguard, tooth loss can happen during any sport, including non-contact sports like gymnastics, cycling, and weightlifting. A custom-made mouthguard reduces the risk of tooth loss, and recent studies show that a mouthguard may also reduce the risk of concussion by cushioning the blow.
At our office, we custom-design mouthguards that fit comfortably and allow for easy speech and breathing. Equipped with a dentist-made mouthguard, you can play with confidence knowing your smile won’t suffer the fate of the ill-prepared hockey player.
If you play any of the following sports, consider getting a custom-made mouthguard: