Do Sports Mouthguards Work?

When participating in a high-contact sport such as hockey, football, or volleyball, you wear a helmet to protect your head as well as padding to protect your joints and other body parts. But how can you protect your teeth? Put on a sports mouthguard!

What exactly is a sports mouthguard?

Consider a sports mouthguard to be a soft cushion that guards your teeth. The mouthguard fits over the upper teeth snugly. Lower teeth are typically not protected by a mouth guard unless you have braces or are participating in an extremely high-contact sport such as boxing or wrestling, where an injury to the lower jaw/mouth is more likely.

If you fall, injure yourself, or come into contact with equipment or another player while participating in your chosen sport, the mouth guard will absorb the majority of the impact, preventing you from suffering an oral injury.

The following are some of the oral injuries that a sports mouthguard can protect you from:

• Lips should be trimmed
• Teeth that have broken
• Fractures of the jaw
• Broken dental fillings or other dental appliances Displace or loosen teeth

Do Mouth Guards for Sports Really Work?

It is critical to understand that mouthguards, like any other piece of protective sports equipment, do not make you invincible. You can still be hurt. However, if you wear a mouthguard while participating in a high-contact sport, you drastically reduce your chances of suffering an excruciatingly painful oral injury that necessitates emergency dental care.

It is critical to select the proper mouth guard in order to avoid injury.

Not all mouthguards are the same. Some offer more security than others. The type of mouthguard you require will be determined by the sport you play, your oral health, and how frequently you participate in your sport.

When selecting a mouth guard, it is critical to look for the following features:

• Comfortable
• Snug fit that does not interfere with breathing or speech
• Made from a durable and tear-resistant material

Do you want the best protection? Purchase a Custom-Made Mouth Guard

It may be tempting to buy a mouthguard from a local store, but if you want the best protection, you should have a custom-made mouthguard made by your dentist.

Custom-made mouthguards are more expensive, but because they are made specifically for you, they provide the best protection. This means that the mouth guard will be properly fitted to protect all of your teeth from injury.

If you cannot afford a custom-made mouthguard, a stock mouthguard or a boil-and-bite mouthguard from a local store should suffice. These mouthguards will not provide as much protection as a custom-made mouthguard, but they will help protect you from a variety of oral injuries.

Mouthguards are as essential as a helmet or pads. Finding the right one will assist you in protecting your teeth while you enjoy your favourite sport. An experienced dentist can assist you in finding a mouth guard that not only fits your budget but also provides the appropriate level of protection.

Find your nearest Dental office today to meet with one of our trusted dentists and discuss mouthguards.