“Don’t forget your mouthguard!”
If you’re an athlete participating in high-contact sports, you’ve likely heard this reminder from coaches, teammates, or parents several times.
Your mouth comprises soft and hard tissues that control the function of important organs like your teeth, tongue, and lips.
A strong impact or blow to these tissues can lead to serious bruises and even knock out one or more teeth.
In the worst-case scenario, falling headfirst without proper protective gear during sports such as ice hockey or lacrosse can result in jaw fractures, neck injuries, concussions, and even cerebral bleeding.
This is where athletic mouthguards come into play.
Mouthguards are designed to absorb and distribute the force of impact, reducing the risk of traumatic injury to both the hard and soft tissues in your mouth.
Keep reading to discover the key reasons why you need a mouthguard and how to choose the perfect fit for you.
How mouthguards work
Mouthguards are made from various materials, including natural rubber, vinyl resin, polyurethane, and acrylic resin.
Thanks to the properties of these materials, sports mouthguards have been proven to prevent dental injuries caused by collisions and accidental falls by acting as a protective buffer.
In fact, athletes engaging in high-contact sports without a mouthguard are 60 times more likely to suffer an accident.
As mentioned earlier, a well-designed mouth guard absorbs and evenly distributes the impact force. This helps to spread out the force of the impact, minimizing the severity of traumatic injuries to both the hard and soft tissues of the mouth.
A football mouthguard will cover your teeth and protect them from being knocked out the next time an opponent tackles you.
Similarly, a volleyball mouthguard will shield your teeth from injuries when an opponent accidentally hits your mouth while reaching for a rebound.
Who should wear a mouthguard?
Every athlete needs top-level protection to maintain their focus, agility, and performance.
The Australian Dental Association recommends wearing a mouthguard for any sport that carries a risk of injury to the dental area.
This recommendation isn’t limited to contact sports; mouthguards are also necessary for non-contact sports like gymnastics and skateboarding.
Finding your ideal fit
You can find various mouthguards at your local sporting goods store or pharmacy.
However, not every mouthguard will be the perfect fit for you due to the varying sizes and fits. Wearing the wrong guard can increase your risk of other injuries by causing discomfort and uneven distribution of impact force.
Even boil-and-bite guards that you can soften at home by heating them may not provide adequate protection from intense impacts.
This leaves you with the best choice: getting a customised mouth guard tailored to fit your unique jawline and ridges.
Customised mouthguards are more affordable than you might think, and they can save you thousands of dollars in potential medical bills. Don’t hesitate to discuss pricing options with your dentist to find a solution that works for you.
Conclusion
Investing in a customised mouthguard today can help protect your mouth from injuries, some of which can be severe and costly. At Carrum Downs Dental Group, we’re here to help you find the perfect mouthguard for your needs. Visit us today to take the first step in safeguarding your smile!
