The Significance of Mouth Guards in Sports

The Significance of Mouth Guards in Sports

February 1, 2022

Sports guards in Calgary, AB, are used to safeguard the teeth. Mouthguards come in a variety of styles, including over-the-counter, at sports retail stores, and through your dentist’s office.

Mouthguards are not one size fits all, and you must choose the right sports guard for your needs if you want optimum protection and full advantage of the guard’s potential. They come in different shapes and sizes to fit your mouth and must be molded to your teeth for the best possible comfort and protection.

Mouthguards offer other benefits like:

  • Improve breathing while playing
  • They prevent jaw injuries
  • The guards protect against concussions by cushioning blows to the head
  • They can help reduce the cost of dental treatment in the event of an accident.

Mouthguards should be worn by all athletes, including football players, wrestlers, hockey, and basketball players, cyclists, skateboarders, and gymnasts. Children and young athletes need to wear a mouth guard, as they are more likely to suffer injuries.

What are Sports Guards?

A mouthpiece that fits over the upper teeth and protects them from injury. Mouthguards can be made of rubber, plastic, metal, or any other type of material.

What are the Types of Sports Guards?

You can choose from the three types of sports guards: custom-made, boil-and-bite, and stock mouthguards.

    • Custom-made mouthguards

The mouthguards you choose should be comfortable and protective, so they should be custom-made. These are created and designed specifically for your sportsman. They are produced in a dental laboratory or a dental office. A dentist near you takes an impression of your teeth before producing the mouthguard over a replica of them. These are also recommended if you suffer from bruxism because they are made to fit you individually.

    • Boil and bite mouthguards

These mouthguards come in one size, but you can customize them to your teeth. You shape the mouthguard by boiling it in water and then biting into the warm plastic for a comfortable fit. For optimum outcomes, follow the instructions carefully. Mouth protectors that you

    • Stock mouthguards

These are pre-made and ready to wear, and they come in different sizes; small, medium, and large. However, the mouthguards do not provide a precise fit. They are frequently uncomfortable, bulky, and difficult to breathe and talk. They are the least expensive mouthguards.

What is the Purpose of Using Sports Guards?

Mouthguards play an important role in sports and can make a difference in the quality of the game.

Mouthguards cushion the blow of a hit to the face and make it less likely for a hard object, such as a hockey puck, to damage your teeth. Mouthguards absorb the impact that would otherwise be transferred directly to your jaw and teeth.

They are designed to fit snugly over your upper teeth and partially cover the bottom ones. Mouthguards can also prevent bruising and laceration in the mouth, lips, cheeks, and gums. The best mouthguard should be comfortable, breathable, and have a flexible fit so that it conforms to the shape of your face.

How Often Should Mouthguards Be Replaced?

Mouthguards should be replaced every two years, or more often if they get worn down, lost, or damaged.

Although mouthguards are generally regarded as effective at preventing teeth and jaws from being damaged during sports, they may become less efficient over time. For example, if you are a multiple-sport athlete, you will require a new mouthguard each season.

Also, because the teenagers’ mouths continue to develop, replacement of the mouthguards is necessary. Consult your dentist in Calgary, AB, at your routine dental visit.

How to Care of Your Mouthguards?

Mouthguards should be kept or stored in a dry place. Mouthguards can become stiff and break if improperly stored or exposed to high temperatures. In addition, the life of your mouthguard is shortened when it is worn for long periods. It’s an excellent idea to let your mouthguard air out during those breaks from play!

Schedule an Appointment

Visit East Hills Dental Clinic for more information about sports guards and how they work.

Font Resize
Contrast
Click to listen highlighted text!