Do I Have To Wear A Mouthguard To Play Pickleball?
Posted on 7/1/2024 by Madison Family Dental |
 Pickleball is one of the youngest and most popular sports that adults of any age can play. It is a combination of ping pong and tennis, and you can play this game nearly anywhere. Adults can use regular tennis courts or pickleball courts, depending on where they are. While pickleball is gaining in popularity, dentists are concerned that their patients who play pickleball may not be thinking about injuries to their teeth. Here are some reasons why wearing a mouthguard to play pickleball may be a good idea.
What Are Mouthguards?
Adult mouthguards can be used for a variety of purposes. Dentists may prescribe mouthguards for people with sleep apnea. These mouthguards pull the chin forward to ensure good breathing during sleep. Also, mouthguards can be used to prevent bruxism, which occurs when people clench or grind their teeth. Mouthguards protect your teeth from damage due to bruxism. Our dentist may even use a mouthguard to keep your teeth in place after braces or clear aligners.
What About Sports Mouthguards?
Over 20% of all accidents cause injuries to the head or neck area. Injuries to the head can damage your jaw, teeth, or gums. Sports injuries to the mouth can lead to tooth loss, misaligned jaws, and gum damage. If you have had a lot of work done in your mouth, injuries can be especially difficult to bounce back from. For example, if you have crowns, bridges, or implants, an injury to the mouth can cost you a lot of money.
So, who needs to wear sports guards? Many dentists use these pointers to help you decide whether you need to wear a mouthguard. First, if you are playing a contact sport, such as basketball, hockey, or football, you need to wear a mouthguard because of the nature of the games themselves.
Second, if you have extensive dental work, you may want to consider a mouthguard to protect your investment in your dental health. For example, if you just spend a lot of money on veneers, you do not want them damaged.
Finally, dentists recommend you wear a mouthguard if you play a sport that has objects flying toward your face. For example, if you play in an adult baseball league, you may want to consider wearing a mouthguard since the average pitch speed from an amateur pitcher can be over 50 miles per hour.
Not sure whether you need a mouthguard or not? Reach out to us today to make an appointment.
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