Mouthguards in Sports: A Necessary Piece of Equipment

Sport is something that most children, adolescents and adults enjoy on a daily basis. With the many benefits that these careers or hobbies can bring, there is a serious downside – the risk of injury is high.

What is more: the risk of injury to the teeth or mouth is higher. What is a mouthguard? It is a piece of equipment that has been designed to prevent injury to the teeth or jaw. It is usually moulded to fit around your teeth to provide protection from any blows to the head. Why is this piece of equipment so necessary for anybody at any age? Let’s look at just a few good reasons.

You Cannot Avoid an Accident

One dictionary defines an accident as: “An unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury.” Simply put: we are not in complete control of what happens when playing sport.

All sports provide a risk of injury, some of course will be higher than others. Sports such as hockey, football, basketball, wrestling, baseball, soccer, skateboarding, gymnastics, and mountain biking are more prone to mouth injuries. However, no matter what sport you do, it will always be a good idea to protect your teeth.

Protection for Teeth and Jaw

Mouthguards play a vital role in the protection of your mouth. In most sports the safety equipment that a player needs to wear seems excessive and yet it might be the reason why a player will stay in the game for longer, or even stay in for the whole season.

This thin, flexible piece of plastic could save your future in a sport by avoiding any permanent damage done to the teeth or jaw. But what if a mouthguard just doesn’t seem like the right fit for you? Well, that doesn’t have to be the end of your relationship with a mouthguard.

Many Different Options

Perhaps it hurts the teeth; perhaps it irritates the tongue. Maybe the mouthguard is too prominent or it doesn’t match your outfit. Whatever it may be that you have against this piece of equipment, it can be solved. To start off, there are three different types of mouthguards on the market:

1. Boil and Bite

It is what the name suggests. Because these mouthguards can be moulded to fit the teeth perfectly by warming up the plastic and biting into it, it provides a comfortable and customized piece of equipment.

2. Custom-made Mouthguards

Although this option may cost more money, it provides the most comfort and protection. Your Surrey dentist will design a mouthguard perfect for your teeth using an impression of your teeth.

3. Stock Mouthguards

Often uncomfortable and bulky, these pre-designed mouthguards may cause discomfort. However, they are the least expensive and could provide the athlete with exactly what they need.

Your teeth and jaw play a very vital role in daily living, and protecting the teeth from any harm is essential. We cannot avoid accidents or injury and, depending on the sport we play, our mouth is at risk of permanent damage. With all the options of different mouthguards, there is no excuse for any unnecessary sports injuries. Speak to your dentist as soon as possible and protect your future.