The Importance of Sports Mouth Guard: Protecting Your Smile
The Importance of Sports Mouth Guard: Protecting Your Smile
Sports mouth guards are an essential piece of protective equipment for athletes participating in contact sports. These custom-made devices not only safeguard your teeth but also provide several other benefits. In this article, we will explore the importance of wearing a sports mouth guard, the different types available, proper maintenance and care, the significance of mouth guards in various sports, and the benefits of getting a professional fitting.
There's hardly a sport that doesn't benefit from the use of a Sports Mouth Guard . Whether for hockey, football, or martial arts, these protective devices help prevent injuries to the mouth and teeth. Do you already have one for your favourite activity? You should. It could be a game-changer for your oral health.
The primary purpose of a sports mouth guard is to protect your teeth from impact and trauma. Without a mouth guard, a blow to the face during a contact sport can result in chipped or broken teeth, tooth loss, and other dental injuries. By wearing a sports mouth guard, you create a barrier that absorbs and distributes the force of the impact, reducing the risk of dental damage.
In addition to protecting your teeth, a sports mouth guard also reduces the risk of lip and gum injuries. The cushioning effect of the mouth guard helps to prevent cuts, bruises, and other soft tissue damage that can occur from a direct hit to the mouth. It acts as a protective barrier between your lips, gums, and the hard surfaces of your teeth, minimizing the chance of lacerations and bleeding.
Furthermore, wearing a sports mouth guard can help prevent concussions and brain injuries. During a high-impact sport, such as football or hockey, a forceful blow to the jaw can cause the lower jaw to jut backward, transmitting the impact to the skull. This can result in a concussion or other traumatic brain injuries. A properly fitted mouth guard acts as a shock absorber, reducing the force transferred to the jaw and minimizing the risk of head injuries.
There are several types of sports mouth guards available, each offering a different level of protection and comfort. Custom-fit mouth guards are considered the gold standard as they are individually made to fit your teeth and gums perfectly. These mouth guards provide the best protection and comfort, allowing for easy breathing and speaking.
Benefits of wearing a Sports Mouth Guard
1. Protects teeth from impact and trauma: The main purpose of a sports mouth guard is to safeguard your teeth from blows and collisions during contact sports. By creating a cushioning barrier, it reduces the risk of dental injuries such as chipped or broken teeth.
2. Reduces risk of lip and gum injuries: A sports mouth guard not only protects your teeth but also acts as a barrier to prevent cuts, bruises, and other soft tissue injuries to your lips and gums.
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3. Helps prevent concussions and brain injuries: Properly fitted mouth guards absorb the impact of a blow to the jaw, minimizing the force transferred to the skull and reducing the risk of concussions and other traumatic brain injuries.
Types of Sports Mouth Guards
1. Custom-fit mouth guards: These mouth guards are made by taking an impression of your teeth and gums. They provide the best fit, protection, and comfort, but are also the most expensive type.
2. Boil-and-bite mouth guards: These mouth guards are made from thermoplastic material that softens when boiled. After boiling, you bite into the softened material, allowing it to mold around your teeth and gums.
3. Stock mouth guards: Stock mouth guards are pre-made and come in a standard size. They are the least expensive option but provide the least comfort and protection, as they do not offer a customized fit.
Proper maintenance and care of Sports Mouth Guard
To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your sports mouth guard, it is important to follow proper cleaning instructions. Rinse the mouth guard with cool water before and after each use. Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap to clean the mouth guard, avoiding hot water as it can distort the shape. Additionally, store the mouth guard in a well-ventilated container to prevent bacteria growth.
When not in use, it is crucial to store your sports mouth guard properly. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid placing heavy objects on top of the mouth guard, as it can alter the shape. Regularly inspect the mouth guard for signs of wear and tear, and replace it if it becomes worn out or damaged.
It is recommended to replace your sports mouth guard every season or when it no longer fits properly or shows signs of deterioration. A worn-out mouth guard may not provide adequate protection and can increase the risk of dental injuries.
Importance of wearing a Sports Mouth Guard in different sports
Aura Dental Centre's commitment to offering top-notch Sports Dental protection can be observed through their customer reviews. Maintaining oral health whilst participating in sports is crucial. It keeps you in the game and also helps in maintaining a confident smile off the field.
Football: Football is a high-contact sport where collisions and falls are common. Wearing a sports mouth guard is crucial to protect the teeth and gums from impact during tackles and accidental hits.
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Basketball: While basketball may not be as contact-intensive as football, it still involves physical contact and the risk of collisions. A sports mouth guard can help prevent dental injuries when players collide or accidentally get hit in the face.
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Hockey: Hockey involves fast-paced action, sticks, and pucks flying at high speeds. The risk of dental injuries is significant, making a sports mouth guard essential for players at all levels.
Soccer: Soccer may not be a contact sport, but incidental contact can still occur. Elbows, accidental collisions, and falls can lead to dental injuries. Wearing a sports mouth guard can provide protection during these situations.
Martial arts: Martial arts, such as boxing, karate, and MMA, involve intentional hits and strikes. The use of a sports mouth guard is vital in protecting the teeth, gums, and jaw from direct blows and impacts.
Getting a Sports Mouth Guard professionally fitted
While boil-and-bite and stock mouth guards offer some protection, getting a custom-fit mouth guard professionally fitted provides the best comfort and protection. A professional fitting ensures the mouth guard fits securely, allowing for proper breathing and speaking.
The process of getting a custom-fit mouth guard involves taking an impression of your teeth and gums. The impression is then used to create a custom mold that perfectly fits your mouth. It is a quick and painless process that ensures a precise fit.
To find a dentist or orthodontist who provides custom mouth guards, you can ask for recommendations from your general dentist or search online for professionals specializing in sports dentistry. These professionals have the expertise to create a high-quality mouth guard tailored to your specific needs.