Now that Mother Nature has decided to do her part and warm things up, everyone will be spending more time outdoors, making it the perfect time to schedule an appointment with the Glen Dental Center in Illinois in Glenview for a custom-made mouthguard.

April is National Face Protection Month with five dental organizations in the United States participating in the annual event.

The American Association of Orthodontists, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Academy for Sports Dentistry, the American Dental Association and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons created the event to make athletes, coaches, caregivers and parents more aware of how important it is to play things safe when participating in group and individual sporting activities.

In 2014, it was discovered that about two percent of all children, adolescents, and teens who participated in some sort of sporting activity would eventually suffer a face or mouth injury that would be serious enough for medical attention. Unfortunately, some of those injuries could have been prevented had the participant worn a mouthguard.

Glen Dental explains that there are three types of mouth protectors available. Stock, Boil and Bite, and Custom Made Mouthguards.

Stock mouthguards are available at your local pharmacy or sporting goods store, and although the least expensive, also provide you with the least protection as you must bite down constantly in order for them to work properly. Stock mouth protectors are also bulky and cumbersome making it difficult to talk or even breathe.

Boil and Bite mouth protectors are also available at your sporting goods store or pharmacy and although they provide a bit more protection than stock, mouthguards can be difficult to wear. Boil and Bite mouth protectors work after they are boiled and placed into the mouth for fitting.

Custom-made mouthguards must be made by your dentist and are fashioned from a dental impression from your own teeth and gums. Custom made mouth protectors offer users the best protection, as they are form fitted for you. Custom made mouthguards offer more retention and are also more comfortable allowing you to breathe and speak freely.

Glen Dental Center explains that a properly fitted mouthguard can help protect teeth from being broken, displaced or knocked out. Mouth protectors also help prevent facial tissue and bone injuries.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry ten to 39% of dental injuries to children, adolescents and teens are usually caused by a direct hit with a ball, a hockey puck or from player to player.

This month keep your family safe, be aware, and schedule an appointment for custom-made mouthguards with the Glen Dental Center in Glenview.