Sports Mouthguard: Your Protector Against Severe Teeth Injuries

A sports mouthguard is a device that protects your teeth and gums against sudden facial blows. Generally speaking, wearing mouthguards for contact sports is advisable. This way, the athlete can prevent severe mouth injuries.
Mouthguards
In actuality, we typically see mouthguards often at the upper teeth. However, if the athlete wears braces or other fixed dental devices, the dentist will also recommend a mouthguard for the lower teeth. A mouthguard usage helps an athlete avoid broken teeth, cut lips, and other mouth injuries.
Mouthguards are not only useful for sports. It is also helpful to individuals who are constantly grinding their teeth. An adult or a child might need to use a mouthguard, which is usually custom fit. Any sport or activity is prone to risks of injuries. Preventive measures can help decrease the severity if it happens.
Types of mouthguards
A mouthguard serves different purposes. Either for sports or bruxism. Either way, its primary goal is to protect the user’s teeth and gums. Relatively, mouthguards have various types, which we have differentiated below.
- Custom-fit mouthguards: The dentist uses a mold to get the impression of your teeth for this type. Afterward, they will custom make the mouthguard. As a result of a custom-fit mouthguard, it provides the best fit and protection for you. However, custom-fit mouthguards usually cost more. On the other hand, you can ensure that custom-fit protectors will specifically meet your needs. Whether for sports or bruxism, custom-fit mouthguards will be best in their job to serve their purpose.
- Boil-and-bite: These teeth protectors use thermoplastic material. Furthermore, you can shape it at home to fit your teeth. Before you could shape it, you have to place it into hot water. Ensure that it’s not on boiling water. Afterward, you will put it inside your mouth and only use your fingers to press it into your molars and front teeth. You can do this repeatedly to achieve the best fit for you.
- Adjustable over-the-counter mouthguards: This type of mouthguard includes sliding pieces that will rest between your teeth while you are sleeping.
- Stock mouth protectors: These types are those ready-to-wear teeth protectors. These are usually inexpensive. Aside from that, you can buy most of these at any sports store or department store. However, this type offers little to no protection. Furthermore, you can only make minor adjustments to its fitting. It can even cause difficulty breathing and talking.
Your choice of mouthguard type should always be more on its practical side where it can be advantageous for you. Most importantly, it should serve its purpose effectively.
Requiring a sports mouthguard
Individuals who are into playing contact sports would be better if they use mouthguards. Below are a few of the typical contact sports that require teeth protectors.
- boxing
- football
- field hockey
- ice hockey
- soccer
- basketball
- lacrosse
On the other hand, there are also non-contact sports and recreational activities where mouthguards are necessary. These are activities with risks of falling. Please see them below.
- gymnastics
- ice skating
- skateboarding
- biking
Any physical activity has the risk of accidents. For this reason, it would be best to use a device like mouthguards to limit the risk of mouth-related injuries. Furthermore, you cannot predict how bad an injury can be. It can either be minor or significant, depending on the accident and trauma.
Proper care for a mouth guard
Like how you care for your teeth, you also need to do proper care for these oral protectors. Here are the best care tips that you can follow.
- Rinse it using cold or warm water or mouthwash before and after use.
- Additionally, you can brush the teeth protectors as well. However, use a soft-bristled toothbrush partnered with a mild soap. Do not use toothpaste.
- Furthermore, conduct deep cleaning once a week. You may ask your dentist about the appropriate solution for your teeth protectors.
- Ensure that your mouthguard has a safe storage location, especially if you are not using it. Keep it out of reach of children and your pets as well.
- Moreover, it is not only the mouthguard that you should keep clean. Its case requires cleaning as well.
Bottom line
The usage of a sports mouthguard is beneficial. You only have to coordinate with your dentist about it, especially if you want custom-fit mouthguards.