For these reasons, mouth protectors are essential for playing sports especially physically demanding ones. If you need help finding mouthguards with sufficient protection, you should visit your dentist for recommendations.
What is a Mouthguard?
Most sport-related injuries can be avoided by wearing a mouth guard. A mouthguard is a dental device worn over the teeth to reduce the impact of contact sports accidents.
Sports mouthguards are thick plastic devices that fit over the teeth like a dental tray formed to the teeth, gums, and mouth.
Whether you have stock mouthguards or custom-fitted mouthguards, they will save your teeth and, more importantly, protect your jaw. Also, they help protect soft tissues around the cheeks, tongue, and lips. As well as they redistribute forces from blows to the head to help reduce the severity of potential concussions.
Sports mouthguards prevent hundreds of thousands of dental injuries each year, which are the most common type of facial injuries in sports.
Different Types of Mouthguards For Sports
When choosing the right mouthguard for contact sports, you have three primary options:
Stock mouthguards-
These types of mouthguards are performed and ready to wear. They are inexpensive and can be bought at many sporting goods stores and department stores. However, little can be done to adjust the fit, which can make it difficult for talking and breathing.
Boil and bite mouthguards-
These types of mouthguards are pre-made. However, they provide better protection for the front teeth as well as help prevent any teeth grinding while playing any sports.
Custom-fitted mouthguards-
These mouthguards are quite expensive; however, they are the most effective option for athletes in high-impact sports. Custom guards are designed to help athletes breathe easily while providing the most protection and comfort.
Mouthguards are not only used for protecting your teeth. Whether you want to invest in a stock mouthguard or a custom-fitted one, a good quality mouthguard will protect your face, tongue, and lips and help with the redistribution of force experienced from a blow to the head.
Risks of Not Wearing Mouth Guards
Athletes who chose not to wear a mouthguard are at risk of suffering painful injuries to the lips, tongue, jaw, face, and teeth. Common injuries among these physically demanding sports occur due to the misuse of mouthguards including health and dental emergencies such as:
- Chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth
- Nerve and root damage to teeth
- Lip and cheek injuries
- Fractured jaws
- Fractured crown and bridgework
- Concussions
You have spent a lot of time and even more money giving your child the perfect smile. A mouthguard protects your investment, especially since they’re a lot cheaper than reparative dental work- and much less painful too.
Who Should Wear Mouthguards
Mouthguards are worn for more reasons than you may know. For instance, they can be used for protecting one’s jaw to prevent concussions, these small devices make a world of a difference in the sports industry.
Mouthguards should be used for any athlete, especially those who play contact sports such as football, boxing, ice hockey, lacrosse, and soccer. However, keep in mind that even those participating in recreational activities and noncontact sports could benefit from wearing a protective mouth guard.
Can You Wear a Mouthguard If You Have Braces?
Yes, you can wear a mouthguard over braces. A custom-made mouthguard is particularly important for those who wear braces or have fixed bridge work. This will offer the best protection and allow for a perfect fit to ensure the best comfort with great breathability.
Generally, mouthguards cover your upper teeth only; however, in some instances such as if you wear braces or another fixed dental appliance on your lower jaw, your dentist will make a mouthguard for the lower teeth as well.
Over-the-counter mouthguards do not work well at all with braces as well as any orthodontic retainers or other removable appliances.
How to Take Care Of Your Mouth Guards
Caring for your mouthguard will help keep it clean and in good condition. Once your mouthguard becomes worn out, you will want to get it replaced since it will not provide you with the best protection.
When it comes to protective sports equipment, a mouth guard is often overlooked. Although, it’s one of the most important pieces of protective gear for athletes. A mouthguard is essential for numerous reasons since it provides protection for your mouth, teeth, jaw, and head, helping you avoid costly and painful dental injuries.
Here at Clock Tower Dental, we know how just important your oral health is to your overall health. Give us a call to schedule your next dental appointment for any matters. Our Dental office offers various services for the whole family – all your dental needs, conveniently in one location.
