It is that time of year again, children are slowly adjusting back to the daily school routine. Back to school also means back to sports. Unfortunately, as sports programs swing in to gear, there is an increase risk of dental injuries. According to the National Youth Sports Foundation for Safety, dental injuries are the most common type of orofacial injury sustained during participation in sports. Fortunately, the majority of those injuries are preventable by wearing a custom protective mouth guard. 

An athlete is 60 times more likely to sustain damage to the teeth when not wearing a protective mouth guard. Dr. Vitale fabricates mouth guards that are custom made to safely and securely fit the athlete's teeth. A guard purchased at a sporting goods store fits poorly, is uncomfortable to wear, so it usually is not worn, and they may even become lodged in your child's throat if they are rendered nconscious. A custom mouth guard will also protect an athlete's teeth while reducing the risk of sustaining a concussion from a blow to the jaw. 

It is estimated that sports mouth guards prevent over 200,00 injuries each year. The American Dental Association recommends wearing a custom made sports mouth guard for participation in the following sports: Acrobatics, field hockey, basketball, boxing, football, gymnastics, handball, ice hockey, rugby, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, shot putting, skateboarding, skiing, sky diving, soccer, squash, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weight lifting, and wrestling. 

Please contact our office to discuss fabricating a sports mouth guard for your child.  (732) 727-1211