A custom mouthguard offers you protection against dental injury. They are used to counter the effects of teeth grinding and to protect your mouth and teeth when playing sports. In this article, we are going to explain what does a mouthguard do when used in contact sports.
What Does A Mouthguard Do?
A mouth guard is a protective barrier that is used to cover your teeth. A mouthguard can be used if you have obstructive sleep apnoea, to stop you from snoring and to prevent dental injuries sustained during sports. If you wear braces, you should definitely use a mouth guard when playing any kind of sports, as it can help to avoid cuts and tears to your mouth that are caused by your orthodontic braces.
Why A Custom Mouth Guard Offers Superior Protection
There are various types of mouthguards available, but a custom mouthguard offers the best level of protection because it is made to measure your mouth and teeth’ shape perfectly. Sports mouthguards need to be worn when playing contact sports because your risk of injury is high. It is very easy for mouth trauma to cause damage to your teeth, jaw, and tongue. These injuries can cause permanent damage or cause injuries that are costly to repair. By wearing a mouth guard, you can avoid or minimise these injuries.
How Does A Sports Mouth Guard Work?
Custom-fitted sports mouthguards are made from a special type of plastic that absorbs the impact of trauma on the mouth. They are usually worn over the upper arch and separate your top and bottom teeth from coming into contact in the event of a blow to the mouth or fall. There is also evidence to suggest that they may help to prevent concussion by absorbing the impact on the jaw, which could travel up to your skull.
What Sports Warrant Wearing A Mouth Guard?
If you play full-contact sports, you should always wear a mouth guard during practice sessions and in matches. Examples of full-contact sports include
- Rugby
- Aussie rules football
- Ice hockey
- Lacrosse
- Water polo
- Boxing
- Martial arts
Fast-paced sports that are non-contact sports also pose a risk of dental injury. Any sport that could cause you to fall down, be hit with a piece of sports equipment, or even accidentally come into contact with another player should also be considered a risk and warrant you wearing a custom mouthguard.
How To Get A Custom Mouthguard
Your dental practitioner can assist you with a custom-fitted mouthguard. You will visit your dentist, who will take an impression of your mouth and teeth. A custom-made mouthguard will be created based on the impression to ensure a perfect fit. You can expect to replace your mouthguard every season or when it shows signs of wear and tear. Make sure you clean your mouthguard and allow it to dry thoroughly after each use. For a personal explanation of what does a mouthguard do and how it can offer you protection against dental injury, please contact us for a consultation: Buderim: (07) 5317 1023 Caloundra: (07) 5315 8076
REFERENCES
What Type of Mouthguard Do I Need? https://www.healthline.com/health/mouth-guard#TOC_TITLE_HDR_1 The Role of Mouthguards in Preventing and Reducing Sports-related Trauma https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28668098/ Here’s What You Need To Know About Sports Mouthguards https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dental-emergencies-and-sports-safety/what-are-sports-mouth-guards#
Recent Comments