Sports mouthguards are custom-made rubber coverings worn over your teeth to protect them from damage in contact and ball-based sports. They cushion the teeth and gums and help to avoid chipped and broken teeth.
You should wear a professionally-made sports mouthguard at all times when playing any sport involving either moving objects or physical contact.
Being hit in the mouth by a ball in such sports as football, cricket or hockey can lead to serious damage to your teeth, including broken and lost teeth, while sports in which you come into contact with other players, such as rugby, American football and boxing, can also lead to damaged, broken or dislocated jaws.
Sports mouthguards provide cushioning to protect against such injuries. Professional sportspeople can often be seen wearing mouthguards for this reason.
Sportsguards should be worn by adults and children. Children’s mouthguards will need regular replacement as their teeth and jaws grow. You should check regularly that your child’s mouthguard still fits, and see your dentist for a replacement if it has become loose or tight-fitting.
Adults will also need to replace their mouthguards periodically due to wear and tear.
A sports mouthguard is a protective device worn over the teeth and gums to prevent injuries during sports activities. It is typically made of a flexible material and is designed to absorb and distribute the force of impact, reducing the risk of dental injuries such as broken teeth, jaw fractures, and soft tissue damage.
Wearing a sports mouthguard is essential because it provides a protective barrier between the teeth and the force of impact. Sports-related injuries to the mouth and face are all too common, and a properly fitted mouthguard can help prevent or minimise the severity of these injuries, reducing the risk of costly and painful dental treatments.
While there are many over-the-counter mouthguard options available, it is highly recommended to get a custom-fitted mouthguard from a dental professional. Custom-fitted mouthguards offer a more secure and comfortable fit, providing optimum protection for your teeth and oral tissues.
To create a custom sports mouthguard, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth using dental putty or digital scanning. This impression will be used to create a mould of your teeth. The mould is then filled with a dental material that is durable, flexible, and safe for oral use. Once the mouthguard has been fabricated, your dentist will ensure proper fit and make any necessary adjustments to guarantee maximum protection and comfort.
Sports mouthguards can gradually wear down over time due to regular use and exposure to saliva and bacteria. As a general guideline, it is recommended to replace your mouthguard every 6 to 12 months, or whenever it shows signs of significant wear and tear. Regularly inspect your mouthguard for any cracks, holes, or changes in shape that could impact its protective capabilities.
Yes, children should wear sports mouthguards too. In fact, children and teenagers who play sports are at an increased risk of dental injuries due to their active lifestyles and growing teeth. It is important to have their mouthguards regularly checked and replaced to accommodate changes in their dental anatomy.
There are three types of sports mouthguards: stock mouthguards, boil-and-bite mouthguards, and custom-fitted mouthguards. Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and come in various sizes but often provide a poor fit. Boil-and-bite mouthguards can be fitted by boiling the material and biting down to shape it according to your mouth. Custom-fitted mouthguards, made by your dentist, offer the best protection and comfort.
While any well-fitted mouthguard can provide protection, certain sports may require additional features. For instance, athletes participating in high-contact sports like football or hockey may benefit from mouthguards with extra cushioning or shock absorption properties. Sports such as basketball or soccer, which involve moderate contact, may require mouthguards that provide a balance between comfort and protection.
While sports mouthguards are highly effective in reducing the risk of dental injuries, they cannot guarantee complete prevention. In some high-impact situations, injuries may still occur, but the severity is typically reduced. Additionally, wearing a mouthguard may also decrease the risk of injuries to the head, jaw, and neck by absorbing the forces of impact.
Proper care and maintenance of your sports mouthguard are crucial to ensuring its longevity and effectiveness. Rinse it with cool water after each use and brush it with a toothbrush and toothpaste to remove any debris or bacteria. Avoid exposing your mouthguard to high temperatures, direct sunlight, or abrasive cleaning agents that could damage the material. Store it in a clean, well-ventilated case to avoid moisture build-up and bacterial growth.
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