Sports Dentistry
Bracken Godfrey, DDS, MS provides sports dentistry services in Somersworth, NH. Call 603-692-2045 to learn more or schedule an appointment.
Athletes have unique dental needs, particularly when it comes to protecting their teeth and jaw from injury. As a dentist who specializes in sports dentistry, Dr. Godfrey has advanced training in the prevention and treatment of dental injuries.
Common Sports-Related Dental Issues
Dental trauma from sports can be short-term dental emergencies that resolve with prompt care, or they may cause long-term oral health issues. Some of the most common orofacial issues in athletes include:
- Soft tissue lacerations
- Dental luxation and avulsion (teeth that are displaced in the socket or knocked out)
- Fractured teeth
- Jaw fractures and dislocations
- Temporomandibular (TMJ) injuries and ongoing TMJ disorder
Many of these injuries can be prevented with a properly fitted mouth guard.
Sports Dentistry Services
Mouth Guards
Mouth guards protect against dentofacial injuries, trauma and concussions when worn during high impact activities. They can also protect you from injury by preventing teeth grinding and jaw clenching. A mouth guard can be stock, mouth formed or customized; although it’s possible to purchase one-size-fits-all mouth guards online and in sporting goods stores, these products are inferior to the mouth guards available from a sports dentist. The mouth guards Dr. Godfrey provides offer superior protection and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Dentistry
What do sports dentists do?
Sports dentists specialize in the prevention and treatment of orofacial injuries that are commonly caused by participation in sports.
What sports should you wear a mouth guard for?
Although many people are aware that mouth guards should be worn for contact sports, the American Dental Association recommends mouth guards for any sport where there is a potential to fall or receive a blow to the head. This includes basketball, gymnastics, soccer, and skateboarding, among others.
How much are mouth guards for sports?
The cost of your mouth guard depends on the type you get. Even custom-made mouth guards are quite affordable, especially when compared to the costs of treating dental trauma caused by a sports injury!
How long do sports mouth guards last?
This, too, depends on the type of mouth guard you have. It also depends on how well you care for your mouth guard and your age. For example, a mouth guard custom-fitted for a child may need more frequent replacement as the primary teeth are lost and secondary teeth erupt.
Call 603-692-2045 to learn more or schedule an appointment.