Whether you’re an avid athlete or someone who enjoys occasional physical activity, protecting your teeth should be a priority. Sports guards, also known as mouthguards, are a crucial piece of protective gear that can prevent serious dental injuries. Here’s everything you need to know about sports guards, their importance, benefits, and when you should use them.
How Do Sports Guards Work?
Sports guards are custom-fitted devices worn over the teeth to protect them from injury during sports and other physical activities. Made from durable, flexible materials, they cushion the impact to the mouth, reducing the risk of broken teeth, cut lips, and other injuries. When a sports guard is properly fitted, it absorbs and distributes the force of a blow to the face, minimizing the impact on the teeth and jaw.
Why Are Sports Guards Important?
The primary reason sports guards are important is that they provide essential protection against dental injuries. Activities that involve physical contact or the risk of falling can lead to accidents that damage teeth. Wearing a sports guard can prevent these injuries, saving you from painful and costly dental repairs. Additionally, sports guards protect not only your teeth but also the soft tissues of your mouth, such as your cheeks, tongue, and lips, reducing the likelihood of cuts and bruises during an impact.
Types of Mouth Guards
There are three main types of mouthguards available, each offering different levels of protection and comfort:
Stock Mouth Guards: These are pre-formed and ready to wear. They are inexpensive and can be purchased at most sporting goods stores. However, they often do not fit very well and can be bulky, making breathing and talking difficult.
Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards: These are available at most sporting goods stores and offer a better fit than stock mouthguards. They are made from thermoplastic material that softens when boiled. You bite into the warm plastic to shape the mouthguard to your teeth. While they offer a more customized fit, they may still be bulky and less comfortable than custom options.
Custom-Fitted Mouth Guards: These are made by your dentist specifically for your mouth. They provide the best fit, comfort, and protection. Custom-fitted mouthguards are created from a mold of your teeth, ensuring they fit perfectly and allow for easy breathing and speaking. They are more expensive than stock or boil-and-bite options but offer superior protection and comfort.
Benefits of Sports Guards
The benefits of wearing a sports guard extend far beyond simple protection. They are highly effective in preventing dental injuries by cushioning the impact of a blow, protecting your teeth from being chipped, broken, or knocked out, which is particularly important for contact sports like football, hockey, and boxing. Additionally, research has shown that sports guards can help reduce the risk of concussions by absorbing some of the shock from a blow to the jaw, providing a crucial layer of protection in high-impact sports. For those with dental work such as braces, bridges, or implants, a sports guard is invaluable as it protects these investments from damage and prevents the brackets and wires of braces from causing further injury to the soft tissues in your mouth. Furthermore, custom-fitted sports guards are designed to fit snugly and comfortably, allowing you to breathe and speak easily, enabling you to focus on your performance without being distracted by an ill-fitting guard.
Can You Only Use Them While Playing Sports?
While sports guards are primarily designed for use during athletic activities, their utility extends beyond the sports field. They can be beneficial in any situation where there is a risk of facial injury. For example, individuals who engage in activities like skateboarding, mountain biking, or gymnastics can also benefit from wearing a sports guard. Additionally, sports guards can be useful for individuals who grind their teeth at night (a condition known as bruxism). Although a specific type of night guard is typically recommended for this purpose, a sports guard can provide temporary protection against the harmful effects of teeth grinding.
Experience the Difference
At Parkside Dental Care, the team is dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care that includes preventive measures like custom-fitted sports guards. They understand the importance of protecting your smile, whether you’re on the field, at the gym, or engaging in any physical activity. Their goal is to help you maintain your oral health while enjoying the activities you love.
If you’re an athlete or participate in activities with a risk of dental injury, consider getting a custom sports guard. Contact Parkside Dental Care today to schedule a consultation and get fitted for a sports guard that offers optimal protection and comfort. Protect your smile and enjoy peace of mind with professional-grade sports guards.
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