Anyone involved in a sport with a reasonable chance of contact or impact should wear a mouth guard. While football and hockey are well-known for dental injuries, sports like basketball, baseball, gymnastics, and volleyball also pose major risks to your teeth and gums. In fact, a large percentage of sports-related oral injuries occur in basketball and baseball. Including a mouth guard in your gear is one of the simplest ways to protect your mouth from damage.
Importance of Mouth Guards
A mouth guard cushions the mouth and jaw against sudden impacts, helping to prevent broken teeth and injuries to the soft tissues inside the mouth. By covering the upper teeth and keeping the soft tissues away from the tooth surfaces, the guard minimizes lacerations and bruising of the lips and cheeks. This is particularly useful for individuals wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances, as it forms a protective layer between the appliance and oral tissues.
Beyond safeguarding the teeth, mouth guards may also decrease the likelihood of severe injuries such as jaw fractures and neck injuries. When fitted correctly, they prevent the lower jaw from forcefully colliding with the upper jaw upon impact, which can, in turn, lower the risk of concussions and head trauma.
Types of Mouth Guards
There are three primary varieties of mouth guards:
1. Stock Mouth Guards
Stock mouth guards come pre-molded and ready to wear at a minimal cost, making them easy to find in sporting goods stores. However, their generic shape often results in a poor fit, which can interfere with breathing and speaking. Though they offer a basic level of protection, their limited customization may cause the guard to shift or come loose during play.
2. Boil and Bite Mouth Guards
Boil and bite mouth guards provide a better fit than stock options and are also widely accessible in sports stores. To use one, you soften it in hot water, then bite into it so it conforms to your teeth and gum shape. If done correctly, they can offer satisfactory protection, but an improper or rushed fitting may still leave gaps or discomfort.
3. Custom-Fitted Mouth Guards
Custom-fitted mouth guards, crafted by a dentist, deliver the highest level of protection and comfort. Tailored to the unique shape of your mouth, they are much less likely to slip out of position during impact. While these are generally more expensive than stock or boil and bite versions, the improved fit and superior defense they provide make them worthwhile for serious athletes.
Mouth Guards and Orthodontic Appliances
A well-fitted guard is especially critical for those wearing braces or fixed bridge work. A hard blow to the face could damage the brackets or wires, but using a mouth guard helps keep both the appliances and the surrounding tissues safe. Typically, mouth guards cover only the upper teeth, but if you have orthodontic hardware on your lower jaw, your dentist or orthodontist may advise also using a guard on the bottom row.
For those using removable appliances like retainers, it’s recommended to take them out during contact sports to prevent damage or injury.
Conclusion
Whether you play a full-contact sport like football or engage in sports such as basketball or baseball, incorporating a mouth guard is an easy yet crucial measure to prevent oral injuries. Custom-fitted guards deliver the best fit and protection, though boil and bite guards can work adequately if molded properly. By contrast, stock mouth guards may be less reliable in high-impact scenarios.
Ensure you safeguard your smile and lower your risk of dental harm by selecting a mouth guard suited to your sport and personal needs.