Types, Benefits, and Maintenance of Athletic Mouthguards

Types, Benefits, and Maintenance of Athletic Mouthguards

Jul 01, 2021

A mouthguard is a protective mouth device covering the teeth and gums to prevent and reduce injury to the gums, lips, teeth, jaws, and arches. An athletic mouthguard is worn during contact sports to avoid damage to the mouth and chin.

When you receive trauma on the mouth, this protective mouth device absorbs the impact of the blow and distributes its force across the mouth. This reduces the effect of the collision on the area hit.

They are designed to cover only the upper teeth, but your dentist can customize one that covers all the teeth. one that fits well over your teeth protects the teeth from chipping, breaking, or falling off. Customized ones can be worn over orthodontic appliances like braces. Sports mouthguards are available in Calgary, AB.

Types of Mouthguards

Boil And Bite

These are made of a thermoplastic material and come in a pre-formed shape. This shape is altered for a customized fit by dipping the mouthguard in hot water then biting into it while it is still warm. They are suitable for amateur and semi-professional sports players.

Stock

They are pre-formed mouthguards that are ready to wear. This type cannot be adjusted to fit the athlete’s mouth. They fit poorly over the teeth since they are bulky and make talking and breathing difficult.

Customized

These are the best type of mouthguards for sports activities since they fit comfortably and offer maximum protection for your mouth and chin. A dentist makes them using a model with an impression of your teeth or by digital imaging.

Your dentist in Calgary, AB, customizes mouthguards according to the sports you play. This is because various sports pose different risks and injuries to the athlete. For instance, the ones used during football games are designed to cover upper and lower teeth and have outer layers and inner linings.

Sports and Exercise Activities That Require the Use of a Mouthguard

  • Baseball
  • Rugby
  • Sky diving
  • Football
  • Hockey
  • Skiing
  • Snowboarding
  • Lacrosse
  • Mixed martial arts
  • Weight lifting
  • Basketball
  • Skating
  • Polo
  • Acrobatics
  • Wrestling
  • Surfing

5 Benefits of an Athletic Mouthguard in Sports

  1. The athlete is protected against broken or chipped teeth, bone damage, tooth loss, tooth root damage.
  2. They prevent the player from sustaining soft tissue injuries by keeping the lips, cheeks, and tongue away from the teeth.
  3. It keeps the jaws from forcefully coming together and causing jaw joint injuries, concussions, neck injuries, and cerebral hemorrhage.
  4. A customized athletic mouthguard improves your performance as you play. This is because it gives you confidence as you do not fear suffering an injury during the sport.
  5. Some sports activities may be intense and cause the athlete to clench their teeth due to stress. The device will prevent you from clenching your teeth and prevent disorders like the Temporo-mandibular Joint Disorder.

Facts to Consider When Acquiring a Mouthguard

When looking for this protective device, chose one that:

  1. Allows you to speak and does not limit your breath
  2. Fits comfortably
  3. Is easily cleaned and durable
  4. Stays fixed in the mouth during the sports activity
  5. Has no odor or taste
  6. Is tear-resistant and resilient

Maintenance of a Mouthguard

Keeping your mouth gear clean will prevent you from bacteria and germs that may compromise your health.

The following tips will help you care for your mouthguard.

  1. Clean it before and after use in cool soapy water and rinse it well.
  2. Store it in a perforated container to allow air circulation. Make sure the container is firm to prevent damage.
  3. Keep this plastic-made gear from high temperatures that may distort its shape. Protect it from direct sunlight, hot liquids, or hot surfaces.
  4. Replace your device once it becomes loose, develops holes or tears, or does not fit as comfortably as before. It should also be replaced after every six months because your mouth and teeth keep growing and changing.
  5. Take it with you for your regular check-up so that your dentist can clean it and examine it for problems.

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