For anyone participating in a sport that carries a significant risk of injury, mouth guards are essential. While many people associate sports like football and hockey with dental injuries, sports such as basketball, baseball, gymnastics, and volleyball also pose serious risks to your teeth and gum tissues. In fact, nearly half of all sports-related mouth injuries occur in basketball and baseball. A mouth guard can protect your teeth and gums from injury and should be a standard part of your sports equipment.
Importance of Mouth Guards
Mouth guards help cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth. They protect the teeth by covering the upper jaw and pushing soft tissue in the oral cavity away from the teeth, preventing cuts and bruises to the lips and cheeks. For people who wear braces or orthodontic appliances, mouth guards provide a barrier between the braces and the cheek or lips, limiting the risk of soft tissue injuries.
In addition to protecting the teeth, mouth guards can help prevent more serious injuries such as jaw fractures and neck injuries. When worn properly, they prevent the lower jaw from getting jammed into the upper jaw during impact, which can also reduce the risk of concussions and head injuries.
Types of Mouth Guards
There are three main types of mouth guards:
1. Stock Mouth Guards
Stock mouth guards are inexpensive and come pre-formed, ready to wear. They can be found in most sporting goods stores but often come with a downside: poor fit. These mouth guards are often bulky and can make it difficult to breathe or talk during sports. While they provide some protection, their lack of customization means they may not stay securely in place during impact.
2. Boil and Bite Mouth Guards
Boil and bite mouth guards offer a better fit than stock options and are also widely available at sporting goods stores. These guards are softened in hot water and then inserted into the mouth, where they mold to the shape of your teeth and gums. If fitted properly, they can provide decent protection, but it’s important to carefully follow the instructions. An improperly fitted guard can still leave gaps or feel uncomfortable.
3. Custom-Fitted Mouth Guards
For the best protection and comfort, custom-fitted mouth guards made by your dentist are the ideal choice. These mouth guards are molded specifically to your teeth and provide a superior fit. Because they are customized, they offer more comfort and are less likely to shift or come loose during impact. While they are more expensive than stock or boil and bite options, the better fit and higher level of protection make custom mouth guards worth the investment for serious athletes.
Mouth Guards and Orthodontic Appliances
A properly fitted mouth guard is especially important for those with braces or fixed bridge work. A blow to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances, but a mouth guard can prevent damage and soft tissue injuries. Most mouth guards are designed to cover the upper teeth, but if you wear braces on your lower jaw, your dentist or orthodontist may recommend using a mouth guard on both the upper and lower teeth.
For athletes wearing removable appliances such as retainers, it’s advised to remove these appliances during contact sports to prevent damage or injury.
Conclusion
Whether you play a high-contact sport like football or engage in sports like basketball or baseball, wearing a mouth guard is a simple and effective way to protect your teeth and gums from injury. Custom-fitted mouth guards offer the best fit and protection, but boil and bite options can also provide decent protection when fitted properly. Don’t forget that stock mouth guards, though inexpensive, may not provide the protection you need in high-impact situations.
Protect your smile and reduce the risk of injury with the right mouth guard for your sport.