Importance of Mouth Guards in Sports
Imagine what it would be like to suddenly lose one of your teeth. It would likely be traumatic and painful, and it would change so many things: how you eat, how you talk, and how you smile. That’s why the importance of mouth guards in sports can’t be overstated.
It’s incredibly important to keep your teeth and mouth protected while you play sports or other recreational activities. Mouthguards are one of the most reliable ways to minimize your risk of broken teeth or other injuries to the tongue and jaw. American dental experts all agree that wearing one is a definite must.
What is a mouthguard?
These dental devices are otherwise known as mouth protectors. Their job is to help cushion any blows to your face that may happen from a person, ball, or other sporting equipment. They are usually worn on your upper teeth because your top teeth are more prone to injury.
Mouthguards help protect, lips, cheeks, teeth, and the tongue. Having a mouthguard is one of the most important pieces of athletic gear you should have.
How do you get a mouthguard that fits your mouth?
There are sports mouthguards that are inexpensive and ready to wear. They are pre-formed and often don’t fit well. Plus, they can be bulky. Sometimes they can fall out or make breathing and talking difficult.
Boil and bite mouthguards are a tried-and-true step in the process of finding a type of mouthguard that fits well. The soft plastic or rubber eventually conforms to your mouth for comfort and protection of your teeth and soft tissues.
However, getting a custom-fit mouthguard (i.e., a custom-made mouthguard) is the best option. They are created just for you, so they are comfortable and fit your bite perfectly.
This is a great option if you plan on playing sports for the long term and want to have a mouthguard that will be usable for the future. If you have braces, a mouthguard that fits properly is also very important to have, as well.
Wearing a mouthguard can take some getting used to. But they are well worth the adjustment period. They help prevent contact sports-related injuries and your overall dental health.
All sporting goods stores stock mouthguards, so to help prevent dental injuries and to take an active role in your dental care, you should definitely get one.
Your teeth are some of the most important things that you have! Taking care of them is critical. Want to learn more about the importance of mouth guards in sports and to find one that is right for you? Our team at New Image Cosmetic and Family Dentistry will advise on which mouthguards would be best to use for your specific situation.
