Everyone knows how important keeping your body in shape can be. A good diet and regular exercise are things we should all strive toward. But what about the fitness of the mouth? And what about that active lifestyle’s effect on the smile? Drs. Robert and Mandy Shearer at Soddy-Daisy Smiles are here to help.
Dr. Robert and Mandy Shearer of Soddy Daisy Smiles finish in the Nashville HalfMarathon. They are working to help patients make sure a health smile is also part of
their healthy lifestyle.Protect your teeth.
An athletic mouthguard is a must, and not just for sports that involve physical contact such as football and hockey. All it takes is one good hit to the face, and a healthy smile could be in big trouble, according to Robert Shearer.
“An athletic mouthguard, especially one custom fit to your mouth by your dentist, helps spread out the impact of any blow,” he said. “And it’s not just protecting the teeth; it also protects the lips and gums.”
Studies have even credited mouthguards with a reduced risk of jaw fracture and concussion. The best choice is a custom unit made by a dentist — which can even be made in a favorite team’s colors — but an over-the-counter solution, while not as comfortable or protective, is still a better choice than nothing.