Sports Mouthguards in Bellmore, NY: Protecting Your Smile On and Off the Field
Whether your child plays soccer, basketball, or lacrosse — or you enjoy a weekend pickup game yourself — a sports mouthguard is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your teeth from injury. At Bedford Dental in Bellmore, NY, Dr. Isabel Yuabov, D.D.S., helps athletes of all ages safeguard their smiles with professionally fitted mouthguards that offer superior comfort and protection compared to store-bought alternatives.
Every year, thousands of dental injuries occur during recreational and organized sports. From chipped and cracked teeth to complete tooth knockouts, the consequences of playing without a mouthguard can be painful, costly, and long-lasting. The good news is that most of these injuries are entirely preventable with proper oral protection.
Why Every Athlete Needs a Mouthguard
The American Dental Association recommends wearing a mouthguard during any activity that carries a risk of contact to the face. This includes obvious sports like football, hockey, and boxing, but also activities many people overlook — such as basketball, baseball, gymnastics, skateboarding, and even cycling.
A mouthguard acts as a cushion that absorbs and distributes the force of impact. Without one, a single blow to the face can result in broken teeth, jaw fractures, soft tissue injuries to the lips and cheeks, and even concussions. Replacing a knocked-out tooth with a dental implant can cost thousands of dollars and require months of treatment, making a mouthguard one of the best investments in preventive dental care.
Types of Mouthguards: Which One Is Right for You?
Not all mouthguards are created equal. There are three main types available, and the level of protection they provide varies significantly.
Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and ready to wear right out of the package. While inexpensive, they tend to fit poorly, feel bulky, and can make breathing and speaking difficult. Most dentists do not recommend them because they offer minimal protection.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are available at most sporting goods stores. You soften them in hot water and then bite into them to create a semi-custom fit. They offer better protection than stock mouthguards, but the fit is still far from ideal.
Custom-fitted mouthguards from your dentist provide the best protection, comfort, and durability. At Bedford Dental, Dr. Yuabov takes precise impressions of your teeth to create a mouthguard that fits your mouth exactly. Because it conforms perfectly to your teeth and gums, a custom mouthguard stays securely in place, allows easy breathing and speaking, and provides maximum shock absorption.
Caring for Your Mouthguard
To get the most out of your mouthguard, proper care is essential. Rinse it with cool water or mouthwash before and after each use. Clean it regularly with a toothbrush and mild soap — never use hot water, which can warp the material. Store it in a ventilated case to allow air circulation and prevent bacteria growth, and bring it to your dental checkups so Dr. Yuabov can inspect it for wear and ensure it still fits properly.
Children and teens may need their mouthguards replaced more frequently as their mouths grow and change. Dr. Yuabov will let you know when it is time for a new one.
Protect Your Smile This Spring at Bedford Dental
Whether you are a seasoned athlete or just getting started in a new sport, a professionally fitted mouthguard can save you from painful and expensive dental injuries. At Bedford Dental, Dr. Isabel Yuabov and our team are here to help you find the right mouthguard for your needs and keep your smile safe all season long.
To schedule a mouthguard fitting or to learn more about our preventive dental services, call Bedford Dental today at (516) 636-5554 or visit our office at 219 S Bedford Ave, Bellmore, NY 11710. We welcome patients of all ages and look forward to helping you protect your smile.
