What Is A Sports Mouthguard?
A sports mouthguard is a simple device made from laminate or soft plastic that slips over your teeth to provide full coverage and protection during sporting activities. They are typically worn over the top teeth because the front teeth stick out more and take the brunt of the trauma during a sporting event. When worn during sporting events, they can help prevent broken teeth, lacerations to the soft tissue in the mouth, fractured crowns, broken dental work, jaw fractures, root damage, and even concussions.
Why Is A Sports Mouthguard Needed?
A high percentage of all dental injuries are sports related. By making a custom-made sports mouthguard, you can proactively take the first and most important step in the protection of your teeth, tongue, jaw, and mouth during sports-related activities.
In full-contact and collision sports like hockey, football, and boxing, mouthguards are generally mandatory protective gear. However, those who play soccer, volleyball, softball, baseball or wrestling should strongly consider wearing a mouthguard for extra added protection even though it may not be officially required.
A recent study concluded that 56 percent of all concussions occurred when mouthguards weren’t worn. That number was significantly decreased when a mouthguard was worn during sports practice and competitions.
How Do I Get One?
Although there are many different types of mouthguards, a custom-made mouthguard will most likely be of the biggest benefit to you. With a custom-made mouthguard, your dentist will personally make the device according to your mouth structure by taking an impression of your teeth. The mouthguard will fit well and be comfortable, compared with some over the counter mouthguards that can be ill-fitting and difficult to wear. Caring for your mouthguard is just as simple as wearing one. After wearing it, it should be rinsed and brushed with a toothbrush and toothpaste, rinsed again, dried off, and stored in a sturdy case. Call the friendly dentists at Divine Dental Care to get your sports mouthguard today!