Get a Mouthguard and participate in National Face Protection Month

It’s National Face Protection month, and if you or your family is participating in any type of sport this spring, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist who can fit you with a custom-made mouth protector.

A mouthguard is essential when it comes to Little League baseball, basketball, soccer and other group sports, but what some people don’t realize is that a sports mouth protector should also be included in your sports bag if you like to bike, surf, play racquetball, or tennis. Swimmers, kids and adults who like to go inline skating and even people who water ski are ordering custom made mouthguards from their dentist to keep their teeth and gums protected.

According to the ADA, mouthguards should be an essential part of the uniform and are just as important as helmets, knee and elbow pads. According to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over half of the 7 million recreation and sports related injuries that happen every year involve kids who are just five years old.

The National Youth Sports Safety foundation recently reported that both professional and amateur athletes who do not wear mouth protectors are an astounding sixty times more likely to cause injury to their teeth, gums or face. With that being said, a survey back in 2009 said that over sixty-seven percent of parents claimed that their children were not wearing sports mouthguards while playing organized sports. An additional 84 percent of kids don’t wear mouth protectors because it was not required even though shoulder pads and helmets are.

There are three types of mouthguards available. Stock, Boil and Bite and Custom Made.

Stock mouthguards are the least expensive, but are not as effective as the other two as they can be uncomfortable and ill fitting making kids and adults less likely to use them. Stock mouthguards can also make it difficult to breathe and talk.

Boil and Bite mouthguards are available from your local sporting goods store or pharmacy and are a step up from stock mouth protectors as you place them in warm water before putting in your mouth. Once in your mouth they actually mold to your teeth.

Custom-made mouthguards are available from your dentist and are your best bet when it comes to sports mouth protectors as your dentist will make a mold before sending it off to a dental lab. Custom made mouthguards will fit your teeth perfectly make it less likely that you will leave it at home.

Participate in National Face Protection month and schedule an appointment with your dentist for a custom-made mouthguard today.

How to Brighten your Smile for a Special Event

A bright and beautiful smile is what people notice when they first see you. Not only does a beautiful toothy grin make you look younger, but it can also make a better impression for that first date, job interview, or your wedding day. According to Colgate, a smile can boost your confidence, give you a more youthful appearance, and make you more attractive.  

Unfortunately, you don’t often get much time when it comes to preparing for an interview or a first date. Tooth whitening is the best option and the most affordable. You can either buy an ADA approved tooth-bleaching product from your local pharmacy, or schedule a dental appointment for in-office tooth whitening.

If your dentist can get you in for an appointment at the last minute the results will be much more impressive and quicker, and although it may be more expensive, it will give you longer lasting results as the whitening ingredients that your dentist uses contain a higher level of hydrogen peroxide. About 15 to 35 percent compared to over the counter products with just three to ten percent.

During your in-office tooth whitening procedure, your dentist will apply a bleaching gel before activating it with a special laser that actually penetrates the teeth. This type of 

in-office tooth whitening can be done on your lunch hour giving you dramatic results.

Of course, if you are unable to schedule an appointment at the last minute or it’s not in your budget, your dentist will tell you that it is okay to purchase a product over the counter to bleach your teeth a few days or a week before.

If you are short on time, you can make your teeth whiter if you wear a lipstick that has blue undertones. Another makeup trick is to darken your skin with bronzer as this creates contrast making your smile appear whiter than it actually is.

Try avoiding food and drinks that cause stains as well. Red wine, berries, black tea, coffee, and even red pasta sauce can darken your teeth. Give up smoking and you will not only be doing your body a favor, but your teeth will be whiter as well.

Serious smile makeovers, that take longer than an hour, are more affordable than ever if you have are preparing for an event in the future such as a graduation, reunion or wedding. Schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine if you are good candidate for dental veneers, bonding, tooth colored fillings or other dental restoration procedures that will improve your smile.