During sports, an athlete will use different kinds of protection gear to ensure they don’t have to retire due to a traumatic injury. And one of those protection gear is sports mouthguards, which are essential for athletes of all ages. During sports and activities, they can help prevent injuries to the teeth, jaws, and soft tissues of the mouth. It’s more than protective gear, it’s an assurance for you to feel confident with your every play.
By cushioning the impact of blows and preventing teeth from being knocked out or fractured, mouthguards can significantly reduce the risk of serious dental trauma. So if you are an athlete looking for custom-made sports mouthguards near you we will help understand what they are, their benefits, proper maintenance, etc. This will help you to make better decisions when addressing concerns and stating your requirements in front of your dentist.
What are Mouthguards?
- Definition: They are made to protect your teeth and jaw structure during physical contact-based sports. Their property is highly flexible yet durable and having a custom fit creates a barrier for you to safeguard your teeth. You can think of these custom mouthguards as a helmet for your teeth, however, used to protect your oral health they benefit you by ensuring you don’t have to experience fatal accidental traumas.
Purpose of Mouthguards for Sports Athletes:
- During sports or physical activities, it shields your front teeth from direct impact. Preventing grave injuries like jaw fractures.
- Prevents your dental health during sports and protects from chipped teeth, tooth loss, or deadly cracks.
- It reduces the risk of tongue and lip cuts which have a high chance to occur during physical contact-based sports.
Purpose from a Dental Professional’s Perspective:
- Its ability to distribute force will eliminate the chances of concentrated trauma.
- May alleviate TMJ disorders which can cause lifelong problems.
- Surely eliminates the chances of costly repairs and dental works needed after injuries.
Types of Mouthguards in Sports?
As there are different needs for athletes depending on the amount of protection needed, comfort, and type of sport, there are various types of sports mouthguards. And do remember choosing a well-fitted mouthguard is essential as it allows for increased protection and reduced injury rates.
The three types:
- Stock Mouthguards: Over-the-counter appliances: this is the only type available in predefined sizes. Cheaper, but their generic fit badly compromises protection, often interfering with proper breathing and speech. I generally recommend using these only as temporary solutions or during very short lengths of time with low-impact activity.
- Boil and Bite: The gold standard in oral protection, fabricated from detailed dental impressions in our laboratory. These precisely fitted appliances offer superior comfort, durability, and shock absorption. They’re especially recommended for contact sports and patients with existing dental work or orthodontic appliances.
- Custom Mouthguards: Custom-made in our lab from detailed dental impressions, these represent the gold standard in oral protection. These precisely fitted appliances offer superior comfort, durability, and shock absorption. Indicated highly for contact sports and for patients with dental work restorations or orthodontic appliances.
Proper Care and Maintenance of Mouthguard
For extending its lifespan proper maintenance of your mouthguard is crucial. The necessary steps are also important as they ensure your oral health and safety. A well-managed guard provides maximum safety and prevents dangerous bacteria that may affect dental health or even general health.
- Daily Cleaning: Before and after each use rinse thoroughly with cool water; To remove debris and bacteria brush gently with a toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Proper Storage: Avoid storing them in a closed confined space with heat as high temperatures can wrap and damage the structure.
- Regular Inspection: This will necessitate some inspections because they ensure that your protective mouthguard protects you well. Check often for wear, tear, or any sort of damage such as holes, thin areas, and deformation.
- Professional Evaluation: With time, your dental anatomy is bound to change; for this reason, see a dentist near your place. Have the mouthguard checked for adjustments or, if you need to change them, comply due to wear and tear.
- Timely Replacement: Don’t compromise protection with a guard that is worn out. Replace your mouthguard at the suggested time interval by your dentist.
Visit Mount Royal Dental
A mouth guard is more than a protective device; it’s an investment in one’s dental health and general well-being. It may be for an athlete or an occasional sports player, or even for those who often grind their teeth at night a properly fitted mouthguard can save you from costly dental repairs while offering full peace of mind. You choose the type appropriately and take proper care of it; that way, you are taking the best precautions toward protecting your smile for years to come.
If the choices and selection of a mouth guard overwhelm you, do not hesitate to approach Mount Royal Dental, your trusted dentist in Saskatoon proper recommendations toward what would work best in your particular situation. Our skills in safeguarding your oral health enable us to commit ourselves into providing you a comfortable and comprehensive dental experience.