Mouthguards While Skiing
With the slopes open, many are heading to the mountains to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Remember to wear a mouthguard if you’re going skiing or snowboarding to protect your teeth.
Why a Mouthguard?
When you wear a mouthguard while participating in action sports like skiing, basketball, or football, you reduce your risk of dental injury. There are more than 200,000 injuries that could be prevented by wearing a mouthguard, according to the American Dental Association. Without a mouthguard, you increase the likelihood of experiencing traumatic tooth displacement or a crown fracture. Not to mention, without a mouthguard a skiing accident to someone with braces can be worse and more painful since braces can lead to cuts on the lips or tongue.
Types of Mouthguards
There are mainly three types of mouthguards you can use to protect your teeth: Stock, boil-and-bite, and custom-made. Stock mouthguards come in a variety of sizes, and are very cheap. They don’t offer the highest level of protection, but they are great if they are the only option. Boil-and-bite mouthguards are also a helpful alternative. Simply boil a pot of water, pop the mouthguard in the hot water, and then (when it’s soft) place it in your mouth and bite down to create a mold of your teeth. Lastly, a custom-made mouthguard offers the highest level of protection but is more pricey. Consider which option is best for you before hitting the slopes.
Talk to Your Dentist
For more information, consult your dentist. Many might recommend adding a mouthguard to your safety equipment if you participate in certain action sports like skiing. They can provide extra protection to your teeth that you will appreciate in the long run.