Mouthguards are an effective appliance that can prevent sports-related dental trauma. But did you know that not all mouthguards give the same level of protection to your jaws and teeth? If you play a contact sport, we suggest you schedule an appointment with our dentist in San Diego for a custom mouthguard.
This guide will address how mouth guards prevent sports-related dental injuries. So, let’s get started!
Why do I need a sports mouthguard?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), more than a quarter of dental emergencies are associated with sports. It’s almost a nightmare for your teeth to be around high speed, flying objects, and spirited players. That’s why wearing a mouthguard is crucial while playing sports. A sports mouthguard protects your teeth from impact, no matter if you’re a pro athlete or just playing for fun.
What sports should I wear mouthguards for?
Players of contact sports require mouthguards to prevent broken teeth, loose teeth, knock-out teeth, and other dental trauma. These sports include football, hockey, and boxing. However, it is advisable to wear a mouthguard for other contact sports, like soccer, volleyball, gymnastics, basketball, and wrestling.
How do mouthguards work?
A person has to wear a sports mouthguard on their upper teeth while playing contact sports. This forms a protective layer between the point of impact and your teeth. This way, your tooth won’t knock out even if you’re punched in the boxing ring. A mouthguard should be strong enough to withstand and resist impacts while not causing any problem breathing and talking.
What are the different types of mouthguards?
There are mainly three types of mouthguards. These are stock, boil & bite, and custom mouth guards. You can have either of them, depending on the amount of protection your teeth require.
Stock mouthguards are the most inexpensive of them all. This is because they are “one size fits all.” This often makes them uncomfortable to wear. Moreover, they don’t offer much teeth protection when playing contact sports.
Boil and bite mouth guards are slightly better as they are more durable and comfortable than stock mouth guards. This type of mouthguard is made from thermoplastic material. Moreover, they soften when you put them in boiling water. Players wear this mouth guard by biting into them when they soften.
Custom mouthguards are the best type as they provide a superior level of protection, which can only be provided by a dentist. A dentist will take impressions of your teeth during your appointment and design a mouth guard that fits comfortably. This type of mouthguard is most durable and comfortable for athletes.
Which mouthguard offers the best protection?
Custom mouthguards equip you with the most protection since they’re specifically made for your teeth. Their superior level of protection also makes them the most expensive ones. But restoring a damaged tooth is far more expensive than a custom mouthguard. If you’re interested in having a mouthguard, contact Nimmi Shine Dental.
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