Sports accidents whereby there are injuries to the mouth occur literally thousands of times annually. Teeth get knocked out, or using the medical term, avulsed, and jaws, lips and mouths are severely damaged.

People who wear mouthguards while playing sports have far greater protection from these injuries. Unfortunately, many sports do not require them. This makes it not so surprising that nearly half of the injuries in the United States come from baseball and basketball. Many studies have confirmed that a mouthguard use significantly reduces the number of dental and jaw injuries.

When sporting accidents cause the death of a tooth it requires root canal therapy. If a tooth has been completely knocked out it is called avulsed. If the avulsed tooth can be immediately and firmly put back in place, it may be saved.

Wearing a mouthguard greatly reduces the number of dental and jaw injuries in sports. There are even credible reports that mouthguards can reduce the incidence of concussions caused by an upward blow to the chin, absorbing the force driving the jaw into the base of the skull. Much in the same way, a mouthguard protects the front teeth by dispersing violent energy coming from a frontal blow.

If you play sports and need more information about mouthguards, Dr. Lin Wong will be happy to help you. Please contact Wong Dental to make an appointment at: 626-709-3332, or come by our office in Covina, California.