Wearing a protective mouthguard is essential to staying safe while playing sports. A mouthguard can protect your teeth from damage, reduce your risk of orofacial injury, and even help prevent concussions. It can also save you money by preventing costly dental repairs or medical bills for injuries sustained during play. Investing in a protective mouthguard is an excellent idea to stay safe while playing sports.
What is a Mouthguard?
A mouthguard is a protective device that covers the upper teeth and gums. It’s usually made of a flexible material such as rubber or plastic and can be bought pre-made or custom-fitted by a dentist. Mouthguards provide cushioning to the face, reducing the risk of sports-related injuries.
Why Wearing a Mouthguard is Important?
Here are five reasons why you should wear a protective mouth guard during sports:
#1. Protects Teeth from Damage
A mouthguard serves as a barrier between your teeth and any impact that could cause damage. This is especially important for contact sports such as football, hockey, and boxing, where the risk of blows to the mouth is higher. Wearing a protective mouthguard can reduce the risk of chipped or broken teeth, tooth loss, and other dental injuries.
#2. Protects Against Soft Tissue Injuries
A mouthguard can also protect the soft tissues of your mouth, such as your lips, cheeks, and tongue. This is important because even minor lacerations to these areas can cause significant trauma and pain. Wearing a mouthguard can reduce the risk of cuts and scrapes to the inside of your mouth that could occur without protection.
#3. Reduces Risk of Jaw Injury
A mouthguard can also help protect against jaw and neck trauma, such as dislocations or fractures. By dispersing the force of an impact away from your jaw, a mouthguard can help reduce the risk of injury. This is especially important for football or ice hockey players, where hard hits are common.
#4. Prevents Concussions
Recent research has shown that wearing a mouthguard can reduce the risk of concussion. This is due to its cushioning effect, which helps absorb some of the energy from an impact and disperse it away from your head. While no protective device can eliminate the risk of a concussion, wearing a mouthguard is an essential step toward staying safe on the playing field.
#5. Saves You Money in the Long Run
Wearing a protective mouthguard can save you money in the long run by preventing costly dental repairs or medical bills that could result from an injury sustained during play. Dental injuries can be expensive to fix, and even minor lacerations may require stitches or antibiotics, which can add up over time. Investing in a protective mouthguard today is a smart way to save money in the future.
Different Types of Mouthguards
Here are the three most common types of mouthguards:
Stock Mouthguard
A stock mouthguard is a pre-made, ready-to-wear device that can be purchased at most sporting goods stores. It’s typically made of soft, pliable material and comes in various sizes. It’s the least expensive type of mouthguard, but it also provides the least amount of protection since it does not fit your teeth well as a custom-fitted device.
Boil-And-Bite Mouth Guard
A boil & bite mouthguard is slightly more expensive than a stock mouthguard, but it provides a better fit and better protection. It’s made of a thermoplastic material that can be softened in boiling water and then molded to your teeth with your fingers or a tongue depressor. This type of mouthguard offers more cushioning than a stock mouthguard and provides a better fit than one-size-fits-all devices.
Custom Fitted Mouth Guards
A custom-fitted mouthguard is the most expensive type of mouthguard, but it’s also the most comfortable and provides the highest level of protection. It’s made of a durable material such as acrylic or vinyl and is designed by a dentist or orthodontist specifically for your mouth. This type of mouthguard is especially beneficial for athletes who participate in contact sports and need the best protection for their teeth and gums.
Caring for Your Sports Mouth Guards
Caring for your mouthguard is essential to maintain its protective qualities and ensure it lasts a long time. Here are some tips for keeping your mouthguard in good condition:
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- Rinse your mouthguard before and after each use.
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- Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or hot water, as this can cause the material to deteriorate.
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- Store it in a cool, dry place when not in use.
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- Don’t chew on or alter your mouthguard, as this can weaken its protective qualities.
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- Replace your mouthguard regularly, as worn and torn devices provide less protection.
Protect Your Mouth with a Custom-Fitted Mouthguard!
A custom-fitted mouthguard is the best way to protect your teeth and gums while participating in contact sports. It’s made of a durable material such as acrylic or vinyl and is designed specifically for your mouth, providing superior protection and comfort. A custom-fit mouthguard can offer greater cushioning than a store-bought device which can help reduce the risk of sustaining concussive injury. With proper care, a custom-made mouthguard can last for several years. So don’t wait— schedule an appointment with our dentist today and get fitted for a protective mouthguard!
