Why You Need A Mouth Guard If You Play Sports
While most athletes are aware of the need to protect their limbs and heads, many overlook the importance of safeguarding their mouths and teeth. This oversight can lead to serious dental injuries that are not only painful but also potentially costly and long-lasting. Enter the mouth guard—a simple yet crucial piece of protective equipment that every athlete should consider using.
Understanding the Risks
Sports, especially contact sports, expose athletes to various dental injury risks. These can range from chipped or broken teeth to more severe trauma such as tooth loss or jaw fractures. Even non-contact sports can pose dangers; a fall during skateboarding or a collision in basketball can result in significant oral injuries. The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation estimates that athletes who don’t wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries than those who do. This statistic alone underscores the critical role mouthguards play in sports safety.
The Multi-Faceted Protection of Mouth Guards
Mouthguards serve several protective functions. Primarily, they act as shock absorbers, cushioning blows to the face that could otherwise result in broken teeth and cuts to the lips, tongue, and cheek. Additionally, they help prevent jaw fractures and neck injuries by absorbing shock and stabilizing the head and neck. Some studies even suggest that mouthguards may reduce the risk of concussions by helping to absorb shock and limit movement caused by a direct hit to the jaw.
Sports Where Mouth Guards Are Essential
While mouthguards are beneficial in nearly all sports, they are particularly crucial in high-contact activities. Football, boxing, martial arts, and hockey are obvious candidates for which mouth protection should be mandatory. However, other sports like basketball, soccer, wrestling, and even gymnastics carry significant risks of dental injury.
They Are Crafted To Fit Your Mouth
One of the most significant advancements in mouth guard technology is the ability to create custom-fitted devices. Unlike generic, one-size-fits-all options, custom mouthguards are molded to the unique contours of an individual’s teeth and gums. This personalized fit offers several advantages:
- Enhanced Protection: A snug fit ensures the mouth guard stays in place during intense activity, providing consistent protection.
- Improved Comfort: Custom-fitted guards are less bulky and more comfortable, encouraging athletes to wear them consistently.
- Better Breathing and Speech: The precise fit allows for easier breathing and more explicit speech, which can be crucial during competition.
- Durability: Custom guards are often made of higher-quality materials, lasting longer and providing better value over time.
The process of buying a custom mouthguard typically involves a visit to a dentist who will take an impression of your teeth. This impression is then used to create a mouthguard that fits perfectly.
Choosing the Right Mouth Guard
Not all mouthguards are created equal, and selecting the right one is crucial for ensuring maximum protection and comfort. There are three main types of mouthguards available:
- Stock mouth guards: These are pre-formed and ready to wear. While they’re the least expensive option, they offer the least protection and comfort, as they don’t adapt to your mouth’s structure.
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards become pliable when boiled and can be shaped to fit your teeth by biting down on them. They offer a better fit than stock guards but may not provide the best protection.
- Custom-fitted mouth guards: Created by dental professionals, these offer the best fit, comfort, and protection. They’re especially recommended for athletes with braces or other dental work.
When choosing a mouth guard, consider factors such as the level of protection needed for your sport, comfort, durability, and ease of cleaning. There is a cost when you buy a mouth guard, but it’s worth it for the protection it gives you. Visit ALIGNERCO to learn more.
Maintenance and Care
Proper care of your mouthguard is essential for maintaining its effectiveness and hygiene. Rinse your guard with cool water or mouthwash before and after each use. Clean it regularly with a toothbrush and toothpaste, and store it in a ventilated container to prevent bacterial growth. Avoid leaving your mouth guard in direct sunlight or hot water, which can warp its shape. Regular inspection for wear and tear is crucial; if you notice any damage or changes in fit, it’s time for a replacement.
Long-Term Benefits of Wearing a Mouth Guard
The benefits of wearing a mouth guard extend far beyond the immediate protection during sports. Athletes can avoid costly dental procedures, lengthy recovery periods, and potential long-term complications by preventing dental injuries. A knocked-out tooth, for instance, can lead to ongoing dental issues and may require implants or bridges, which can be expensive and require regular maintenance. Moreover, severe dental injuries can affect speech, eating habits, and self-esteem. By wearing a mouth guard, athletes invest in their long-term oral health and overall well-being.
