Introduction

Whether you're playing rugby, football, or participating in martial arts, sports activities come with a risk of injury, particularly to your teeth and mouth. According to the British Dental Association, wearing a mouthguard is one of the most effective ways to prevent dental injuries during contact sports. A well-fitted mouthguard not only protects your teeth but also reduces the risk of injury to your gums, lips, and jaw.

In this blog, we’ll explain the importance of mouthguards, the different types available, and how to ensure you get the best protection for your teeth while staying active.

Why Are Mouthguards Important?

Mouthguards are designed to cushion the teeth and absorb impact, helping to protect your teeth and jaw from injuries. Common injuries that can occur during sports without a mouthguard include:

• Chipped or Broken Teeth: Impact to the face can cause teeth to crack or break.
• Knocked-Out Teeth: A severe hit can knock a tooth out completely, potentially requiring emergency dental care.
• Soft Tissue Damage: Without a mouthguard, sharp impacts can cause injuries to your lips, cheeks, and tongue.
• Jaw Injuries: A blow to the face may lead to jaw fractures or misalignment. Wearing a mouthguard can significantly reduce the risk of these injuries, allowing you to focus on your performance with peace of mind.

Types of Mouthguards

Not all mouthguards offer the same level of protection. Understanding the different types available can help you choose the best option for your needs.

1. Stock Mouthguards

Stock mouthguards are pre-made, ready-to-wear mouthguards that can be bought at most sporting goods stores. They come in a variety of sizes but offer the least protection because they often don’t fit snugly and may move around in your mouth during play.

• Pros: Inexpensive and readily available.
• Cons: Poor fit, bulky, and can make it difficult to breathe or speak.

2. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards

• Boil-and-bite mouthguards offer a semi-custom fit. You soften the mouthguard in hot water, then place it in your mouth and mould it to your teeth by biting down. These provide a better fit than stock mouthguards but may not offer as much comfort or protection as custom-made options.
• Pros: Affordable and offers a better fit than stock mouthguards.
• Cons: Still not as durable or protective as custom-made mouthguards, and the fit
  may not be perfect.

3. Custom-Made Mouthguards

• Custom-made mouthguards are created by your dentist to fit your teeth and mouth precisely. They offer the highest level of protection and comfort because they are tailored to your specific dental structure. Custom mouthguards are ideal for athletes who engage in high-impact sports or who wear braces, as they can be specially designed to fit around orthodontic appliances.
• Pros: Best fit, highest level of protection, and comfortable to wear.
• Cons: More expensive than over-the-counter options.

Benefits of Wearing a Mouthguard

Investing in a well-fitting mouthguard provides a range of benefits beyond just protecting your teeth. Here are some key advantages:

1. Prevents Dental Injuries

As mentioned earlier, mouthguards help prevent common dental injuries such as chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth. According to the British Dental Association, athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries when not wearing a mouthguard.

2. Protects Soft Tissues

Mouthguards not only shield your teeth but also protect the soft tissues in your mouth. By acting as a barrier, mouthguards help prevent cuts and bruises to your lips, gums, cheeks, and tongue during impact.

3. Reduces Risk of Jaw Injuries

A severe blow to the jaw can lead to fractures or dislocations. Mouthguards absorb shock and distribute the force of the impact, reducing the likelihood of serious jaw injuries.

4. Helps Avoid Concussions

While mouthguards cannot prevent concussions, some studies suggest that they can reduce the risk of concussion by absorbing some of the impact forces that would otherwise be transmitted to the head and neck.

5. Enhances Performance Confidence

Wearing a mouthguard allows athletes to focus on their performance without worrying about the risk of injury. The knowledge that you are well-protected can boost confidence, allowing you to play more freely and fearlessly.

Which Sports Require Mouthguards?

Mouthguards are recommended for any sport that involves physical contact or a risk of injury to the face. Some common sports where mouthguards are highly recommended include:

• Rugby: A full-contact sport where tackles and scrums pose a high risk of dental injuries.
• Football: Collisions, falls, and contact with the ball or other players can lead to mouth injuries.
• Martial Arts and Boxing: Sports like karate, judo, and boxing involve direct strikes to the face, making mouthguards essential.
• Hockey: Both ice and field hockey involve fast-moving sticks and balls that can easily hit the face.
• Basketball: Although less contact-heavy than rugby or football, players often collide, making mouthguards advisable.
• Cycling and Skateboarding: Falls can lead to serious dental injuries, so wearing a mouthguard is a good preventive measure

If you’re unsure whether your sport requires a mouthguard, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

Mouthguards for Athletes with Braces

If you wear braces, a mouthguard is even more crucial. Braces can cause additional damage to your teeth, gums, and soft tissues in the event of an impact. Fortunately, custom-made mouthguards can be designed to fit over braces comfortably, providing protection for both your teeth and orthodontic appliances

• Important Note: Never wear a boil-and-bite or stock mouthguard with braces, as they can push against the braces and cause injury. Always consult your dentist for a custom-fit option if you have braces.

Caring for Your Mouthguard

To get the most out of your mouthguard and ensure it continues to protect you properly, it’s essential to take good care of it. Here are some tips:

1. Clean Your Mouthguard After Every Use

Rinse your mouthguard with cool water or a mouthwash after each use to remove bacteria and food particles. For a deeper clean, use a toothbrush and mild soap or toothpaste.

2. Store It Properly

Keep your mouthguard in a sturdy, ventilated case when not in use. This helps prevent damage and allows it to dry properly, reducing the growth of bacteria.

3. Avoid Heat

Never expose your mouthguard to high temperatures, such as leaving it in a hot car or soaking it in hot water, as this can cause it to warp and lose its shape.

4. Regularly Check for Wear and Tear

Inspect your mouthguard regularly for signs of wear, such as cracks, holes, or thinning. If your mouthguard shows signs of damage or feels uncomfortable, replace it promptly.

5. Bring It to Your Dental Check-Ups

During your routine dental appointments, bring your mouthguard with you so your dentist can check its condition and ensure it still fits properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How often should I replace my mouthguard?

A: Mouthguards should be replaced at least once a year, or sooner if they show signs of wear or no longer fit properly. Athletes who are still growing or who wear braces may need to replace their mouthguard more frequently.

Q2: Can I wear a mouthguard if I have braces?

A: Yes, it’s even more important to wear a mouthguard if you have braces. A custom-made mouthguard can be designed to fit comfortably over your braces, protecting both your teeth and orthodontic appliances.

Q3: How do I know if my mouthguard fits properly?

A: A properly fitting mouthguard should feel snug and stay securely in place without needing to bite down. It should allow you to breathe easily and speak clearly. If your mouthguard is loose, bulky, or uncomfortable, it may need to be adjusted or replaced.

Conclusion

Whether you're playing contact sports or engaging in high-risk physical activities, a well-fitted mouthguard is essential for protecting your teeth and jaw from injury. Custom-made mouthguards offer the best protection, comfort, and fit, allowing you to focus on your performance without worry. By investing in the right mouthguard and following proper care guidelines, you can keep your smile safe and enjoy your sport to the fullest.

Next Steps

If you're involved in sports and don't yet have a mouthguard, or if you're looking to upgrade to a custom-made one, schedule an appointment with your dentist to get fitted. Protect your teeth and play confidently