Getting the Bite on Mouthguards
If you are an athlete or the parent of one, you know how important it is to use the correct protective gear. What you may not know, is that almost 40% of all injuries in sports involve the face. For this reason, it is vital that you protect your mouth with a custom made, comfortable mouthguard designed to reduce the risk of oral injuries while playing sports.
What is a Mouthguard?
A well fitted mouthguard is a dental appliance used in sports which sits over your teeth and are designed to protect your jaw, lips, tongue and teeth. Mouthguards have even been found to actually reduce the severity of concussions in some new studies.
Some sports obviously benefit from the use of mouthguards, such as rugby, hockey and boxing. However, some less obvious ones such as, gymnasts, weightlifters and bicyclists have been added to the list of athletes who should use them by the ADA. Studies have proved that from 13% to39% of all dental injuries are associated with sports.
As soon as colleges and high schools started to require mouthguards and facemasks for football, reports of injuries plummeted by 200,000 reports per year! The ADA has strongly recommended that both children and adults use mouthguards for any activity that could potentially increase chances of injury to your mouth.
Types of Mouthguards
Ready-Made Mouthguards
You have most likely seen this type of mouthguard for sale in department or sports stores. This type of generic mouthguard are readily available and usually inexpensive. Because these ones are generic, they to not fit very well and can feel uncomfortable or bulky when being used. The ready-made style of mouthguard are secured in the mouth by closing the jaw. This can make it a little more difficult to breath and speak when being used.
Mouth-Formed Mouthguards
The next step up is mouth-formed mouthguards, if you are looking for something more custom made to fit your mouth. These acrylic, shell liner mouthguards fit securely over your teeth and are more comfortable than the ready-made style. Some users have reported that they can have an unpleasant taste or odor. They have also been found to harden over time and lose their flexibility. The thermoplastic style is another option in this category, these can be heated in water and form fitted by biting in to it and it takes on the shape of your mouth. The thermoplastic type can feel bulky but do maintain their flexibility.
Custom-Made Mouthguards
By far, the custom-made mouthguard is the best solution. They are protective, practical and comfortable. These are made by a dental professional after making impressions of your teeth and fit your mouth perfectly.
You should talk to your dentist before purchasing a mouthguard. In some cases, special appliances may be needed, patients with cleft palate, dentures or braces, for example.
Mouthguard Care
Mouthguards should always be worn during sporting activities. Avoid chewing on your mouth guard, this can weaken it and decrease its effectiveness. Tears and holes can irritate your mouth, if you do find any damage, your mouthguard should be replaced right away.
Your mouthguard should be rinsed with water and checked for damage before and after every use. You should clean your mouthguard with a toothbrush and toothpaste regularly. When not in use, your mouthguard should be stored in a hard container and kept away from direct sunlight.
ADA & ASD ADVICE
The American Dental Association and the Academy of Sports Dentistry recommend mouthguards for athletes who participate in:
Acrobatics
Bandi
Baseball
Basketball
Bicycling
Boxing
Equestrian Events
Field Events
Field Hockey
Football
Gymnastics
Handball
Ice Hockey
Inline Skating
Lacrosse
Martial Arts
Racquetball
Rugby
Shot Put
Skateboarding
Skiing
Skydiving
Soccer
Softball
Squash
Surfing
Volleyball
Water Polo
Weightlifting
Wrestling
If you have questions about mouthguards, call us. We’ll be happy to help you decide which type of mouthguard is best for you.
