Do you ever worry about facing an injury that could cause you or your child to lose one or more teeth? Tooth loss due to trauma is not only painful, but it will definitely affect the way we eat, speak, and smile.
This is where mouthguards – also called a sports guard or gum shield – step in.
It is incredibly important to wear mouthguards while playing sports, particularly for kids, as they help to reduce the risk of broken teeth and other injuries to the mouth.
What are mouthguards?
Mouthguards are thick plastic device worn over the teeth to help cushion a blow to the face, injuries to your tongue and lips, and to lessen the risk of broken teeth.
They create a protective barrier from external impacts such as getting hit by a ball, puck, elbow or stick to the face, and they redistribute forces from these blows to help reduce the severity of potential concussions.
Damaged teeth are one of the most common types of sports injuries, and they are relatively the most expensive. With mouthguards, numerous dental injuries are prevented every year.
Are mouthguards mandatory?
Mouthguards are not always mandatory. But if your children play sports, wearing them can help reduce their risk of dental injuries.
Who should wear mouthguards?
Mouthguards are recommended to all athletes, especially young ones, while playing sports even if mouthguards are not a part of the uniform requirement.
They are particularly beneficial to those who play high-impact contact sports where there is a higher risk of injury to the face, mouth, and jaw. These include rugby, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, boxing, basketball, softball, cricket, and martial arts.
Even those who play non-contact sports and activities such as gymnastics, rollerblading, figure skating, skateboarding, and horse-riding can benefit from mouthguards.
What are the dental risks of not wearing mouthguards?
Common sports injuries that occur without the use of mouthguards include:
What are the types of mouthguards?
Custom-made mouthguards
Your dentist provides mouthguards that involve taking a mould of your teeth and custom making them in the lab. These are the most comfortable, durable, and effective for protection from sports injuries. Custom-made mouthguards are designed from high-quality material that is easy to clean, tear-resistant, and do not impede breathing or speech.
Boil and bite mouthguards
These are made from thermoplastic material and are mostly found in most sporting goods stores. They are immersed in hot water to soften, then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth.
Stock mouth protectors
These are the cheapest option and are easily purchased from pharmacies and sports stores. They are preformed and ready to wear, thus, they don’t usually fit well, making it difficult to talk and breathe. As a result, they aren’t as comfortable and protective as the other types.
Can you wear mouthguards if you have braces?
Absolutely. In fact, it is highly recommended to do so to prevent damage to your wires and brackets and avoid injuries to your mouth, gums, lips, and cheeks.
How can you take care of your mouthguards?
It is important to keep your mouthguards clean and in good condition. If you see signs of wear and tear, be sure to replace them — they will no longer provide you with the best protection.
How easy is it to get mouthguards at the dentist?
Getting custom-made mouthguards is a straightforward process. We’ll book you in for a visit and take impressions of your teeth. You can select your customized design including a personalized name engraving if you wish, then you get your mouthguards a few days later.
