Sport Mouthguards

As an athlete, knowing how to prevent injuries is a crucial element of playing sports. Dental injuries are a danger in sports at both competitive and recreational levels. So how do we protect our teeth when we play sports? Studies have shown that using a properly fitted mouthguard is the best protection you can have against sports-related dental injuries and can also slow the rate of concussion.

Here at Dental Brothers, we know how important it is to preserve your smile and continue putting your best face forward. Don’t put off protecting your mouth – speak with us today so we can answer any questions and help you determine the best mouthguard option for you.

Mouthguard by a Dentist

Why are Sports Mouthguards Necessary?

The American Dental Association recommends wearing custom mouthguards for all practices and competitions when playing a number of sports, including basketball, racquetball, surfing, volleyball and many more. In a study conducted on high school varsity basketball teams in Florida, fewer than half of the players wore mouthguards and 31% of the players sustained oral injuries. Only two of the injuries did not require professional treatment. Studies show that athletes are 60 times more likely to hurt their teeth if they’re not wearing a mouthguard, which makes it a pretty silly choice not to wear one. While contact sports provide a higher risk of dental injury, you can also sustain dental injuries in non-contact sports like gymnastics.

Dental injuries are not only painful and often expensive to treat, they can change your face! Remember, broken teeth won’t grow back. Picture your smile with broken or missing teeth. Not only would your smile be altered, but broken and missing teeth can make it difficult to eat and even speak normally. Damage to your teeth is often permanent, giving you even more of a reason to protect against orofacial injuries.

What are the Different Types of Mouthguards?

The good news is that dental injuries are largely preventable by wearing a mouthguard. Now, for better news: you have options when it comes to guarding your mouth, face, jaw and teeth. There are three basic types of mouthguards, which include:

  • Stock. These mouthguards are sold in stores ready to wear. They are the least expensive option, but due to being pre-formed, are often bulky and ill-fitting which can make it difficult to breathe and talk while wearing them.
  • Boil and bite. Available in drugstores and sporting goods stores, these are meant to be softened in boiling water, then inserted into the mouth and bitten down on to adhere to the shape of your mouth. They provide some level of customization and thus a better fit than the stock variety.
  • Custom-fitted. These mouth protectors are fitted and made for you personally by your dentist. They provide the best fit and the best protection for your mouth. If you wear braces or have fixed bridge work, you will definitely want to consider a custom-fitted mouthguard from your dentist.

Warning Signs

Whatever kind of mouthguard you choose, remember that in order to be effective, a mouthguard should be comfortable and resilient. You want it to fit well enough that it stays in your mouth without creating discomfort, and you don’t want to be able to bite through it or for it to be easily torn.

Mouthguards typically just cover the upper teeth, but if you have braces on your lower teeth, ask a dentist if they suggest you wear a mouthguard on your lower teeth as well. Mouthguards don’t just protect your teeth; they provide protection for your lips, tongue and the soft tissues of your cheeks as well.

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Get the perfect sports mouth guard, come visit us today!

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