April is National Facial Protection Month and our Spruce Pine NC orthodontist has some tips to help safeguard your winning smile through all types of activities. Whether out on the ice for a hockey match or enjoying a bike ride around town, you can take some simple precautions to prevent accidental injury and emergency visits to our Spruce Pine orthodontic office.
Our Spruce Pine NC Orthodontist Shares 3 Simple Ways To Protect Your Mouth
Mouthguards
Recommended for participants in all contact sports such as boxing and basketball as well as non-contact sports like gymnastics and skating, mouthguards are a highly effective way to prevent damage to the teeth as well as to cushion facial blows.
Custom-made mouthguards are offered by our 5-star Spruce Pine orthodontist. While they may cost more, the investment ensures comfortable protection fitted to your unique bite. The mouthguard allows for easy breathing and minimal movement. For those with braces, a mouthguard is especially important, as it not only will protect against costly damage to brackets and wires, but also will protect your lips and gums from painful impacts.
Another accessible option is a boil-and-bite mouthguard, which can be purchased at your local sporting goods store. After exposing the product to hot water, the user can insert the mouthguard to form around his or her bite. For those in a pinch, stock mouthguards can also be purchased. A stock mouthguard may not be as comfortable as other options, but any form of protection for your smile against trauma is better than going without.
It is recommended users also regularly wash and rinse their mouthguards with cool, soapy water to protect against bacteria build up.
Tips To Protect Your Face, According To Our Spruce Pine NC Orthodontist
Helmets
In some sports, helmets are a necessary equipment requirement. While athletic helmets protect your entire face from potential damage from rogue hockey pucks and man-to-man collision, it is important not to overlook helmets in everyday activities as well. Helmets are imperative to facial protection when riding a bike or driving a motorcycle for facial, head, and neck protection alike.
Eyewear
Protective eyewear is also important to keep in mind. For those participating in sports while wearing glasses, sports goggles and contacts are options that may make glasses less of a hassle. Depending on how adventurous your activities of choice are, eyes can be subject to damage from debris in the air or extreme elements. Additionally, choosing sunglasses that protect against UV rays when partaking in outdoor activities for extended periods of time can help to prevent the development of growths and cataracts around the eyes.
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to orthodontics, feel free to contact TS Orthodontics, with a convenient orthodontic office location near Spruce Pine NC, by clicking here or by calling 828.254.4602.