Do you play a sport, such as football, hockey, or boxing, that could result in damage to your mouth from a jarring collision? If so, you probably wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth. But did you know that recent research suggests that an athletic mouthguard can actually improve your performance? To learn more about this research, read the explanation from your Erlanger KY dentist, Dr. Darlene Henry, below.

Mouthguards and Athletic Performance

It may seem like a strange claim, but research does seem to back up the idea that an athletic mouthguard can help improve athletic performance. The theory behind these mouthguards is that they help to align the tempormandibular joints (TMJs) properly, so that they experience no strain.

The TMJs are the joints that control the opening and closing of the mouth, and they are located on either side of the face, just below and forward of the earlobes. The TMJs are two very important joints that are typically involved in showing physical signs of stress because when people feel stressed, they tend to clench their jaws or grind their teeth. However, by adjusting the alignment of the TMJs, stress can be alleviated, which is the ultimate goal behind the athletic mouthguards. They are designed to keep the TMJs aligned properly so that stress is alleviated from the body. Without stress, the body will perform better, allowing athletes to give their absolute best on the field.

Other Benefits of Mouthguards

Wearing a mouthguard is absolutely imperative if you play a sport that can result in jarring collisions. During a collision, the jaw may snap closed, imparting significant force to the teeth. This impact can damage teeth or can result in a severely bitten lip or tongue. With a mouthguard, however, the impact can be absorbed protecting teeth and the rest of the mouth.

Schedule a Visit with Your Erlanger KY Dentist

Do you play a sport? You can protect your teeth with an athletic mouthguard from your Erlanger KY dentist, Dr. Henry. Contact our 41018 dentist office today at 859-344-8500 to schedule an appointment or a consultation. We serve patients from Erlanger, Cincinnati, Crestview Hills, Fort Mitchell, Florence, Union, Independence, and Taylor Mill.