Benefits Of Custom-Made Mouthguards in Active Sports
Custom-fitted mouthguards are essential but often overlooked safety tools/devices in sports and recreational activities.
According to the Australian Dental Association, playing sports, particularly contact ones, without a mouthguard can be a recipe for dental disaster!
Unfortunately, many of us realise the benefits of a mouthguard after an injury has occurred instead of before.
And while exercise is a significant part of a balanced life, it must be safe, particularly for children.
Sports Medicine Australia (SMA) and the Australian Dental Association (ADA) have collaborated on a Mouthguard Policy that requires registered players to wear mouthguards during training and games in sports such as football, basketball, hockey, boxing, wrestling, martial arts, lacrosse, and netball.
Wearing a properly designed and constructed mouthguard while participating in sports or athletics helps protect against dental injuries.
Players of any age involved in sports and activities with a risk of injuries to the face or jaw should protect themselves with a properly fitted mouthguard.
Why Mouthguards?
Mouthguards safeguard against injury to the jaw and teeth:
- Dental injuries incurred during sports or athletics add up to more than 600,000 emergency room visits annually.
- Athletes are several times more likely to suffer tooth damage when not wearing a mouthguard.
- Estimates are that high-quality mouthguards protect against over 200,000 injuries per year.
- Unlike athletes who wear custom-built mouthguards, generic mouthguard users are twice as likely to sustain a concussion.
Let’s look at the essential functions of the mouthguard:
- Mouthguards prevent bruising and cuts caused by impact.
- Mouthguards prevent loosened teeth, knocked-out teeth and tooth fractures by cushioning the teeth.
- Opposite teeth are kept from clashing with each other.
- The lower jaw is protected, so the impact does not fracture or damage the bone.
- Mouthguards are a preventative measure against neck injuries.
- Mouthguards help reduce brain injuries by preventing the jaws from violently clashing, which can cause concussions.
- Mouthguards give athletes confidence by making them feel protected and comfortable.
The perfect mouthguard:
- Allows normal breathing and speaking.
- Provides a high degree of fit and comfort.
- Does not become dislodged during action.
- It is resilient, tear-resistant, odourless and tasteless.
- It is easy to clean and durable.
In most cases, mouthguards protect the upper teeth. However, if an athlete has a protruding jaw or wears braces or other dental appliances on their lower jaw, their dentist may also suggest a mouthguard for the lower teeth.
The Types Of Mouthguards
There are three kinds of mouthguards, running from ineffective (and in cases actively dangerous) to very effective.
Here they are, from worst to first:
- Stock mouthguards are already assembled and ready to use. They can be found over the counter at most sporting goods stores and ordered online. But they are not measured to your mouth and can cause talking and breathing complications. Also, because they don’t fit correctly, they offer the lowest level of protection. Stock mouthguards are inexpensive but offer the least protection, which is why Main Beach Dental does not recommend them.
- Boil and Bite mouthguards are the most common type. These thermoplastic mouthguards provide higher levels of protection than stock mouthguards. ‘Boil and Bites’ are dunked in boiling water until they soften. Then, they are placed in the mouth and shaped to the teeth.
- The third and best type of mouthguard is custom-made. It is individually designed according to the mould of your teeth and made to the specifications provided by a professional dentist. Custom-made mouthguards offer the greatest level of protection and comfort. These are the mouthguards that Main Beach Dental suggests for you or your athletic child.
Accessorise!
Custom mouthguards are constructed from state-of-the-art materials and can feature fashion options to personalise them.
For example, the guard can have team colours, animal characteristics, or other designs to reflect the athlete’s personality.
Taking Care Of Your Mouthguard
Take good care of your mouthguard to optimise its performance. Wash it in lukewarm, soapy water and rinse well before and after use.
For maximum protection against germs, brush it with a toothbrush and toothpaste before and after every use.
Don’t chew on your mouth or keep removable retainers in your mouth with the guard in place. Finally, be vigilant and replace your mouthguard if it shows signs of age.
If you or your children are athletic, visiting us at Main Beach Dental and discussing the advantages of a custom-designed, personalised mouthguard is best.
Dental Care at Main Beach Dental
At Main Beach Dental, your dental health is our number one priority. We are a team of highly trained registered dentists with impressive clinical skills who work together to provide you with comprehensive dental services.
We provide gentle, skilled care for all dental conditions and work with you to prevent disease, decay, and too many dental appointments in the future. Our commitment to our patients is dental health for a lifetime!
Call your Main Beach dentist on (07) 5503 1177, or you can visit us at 11/26-30 Tedder Ave in Main Beach.
Alternative number: 0401 004 458