Mouthguard vs. No Mouthguard: The Risk of Dental Injuries

Are you or your child involved in any contact sports such as football, hockey, or basketball? If the answer is yes, then it’s important to think about protecting your teeth and mouth from potential injuries. One common way to do this is by wearing a mouthguard. Yet, some athletes still choose not to wear one. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of using a mouthguard and the risks of going without one. So let’s dive in!

What is a Mouthguard?

A mouthguard is a protective device that covers the teeth and gums to prevent dental injuries during sports activities or other physical exercises. It can cushion the impact of blows to the face, reducing the risk of broken teeth, cut lips, and other types of oral trauma.

Mouthguards are typically made from soft plastic materials that conform to the shape of your teeth and mouth. They may be custom-made by a dentist for a better fit or purchased over the counter in various sizes and shapes.

There are three main types of mouthguards: stock mouthguards (one size fits all), boil-and-bite mouthguards (moldable after heating in boiling water), and custom-fitted mouthguards (made by taking an impression of your teeth).

Using a properly fitting mouthguard can help protect against serious dental injuries during contact sports such as football, soccer, basketball, hockey, wrestling, martial arts training, or boxing. Even non-contact sports like gymnastics or skateboarding pose risks for dental injury due to potential falls.

It’s important to note that not wearing a mouthguard increases your chances significantly higher for oral injury compared with those who wear one while being physically active.

Types of Mouthguards

When it comes to mouthguards, there are three main types: stock, boil-and-bite and custom-made.

Stock mouthguards are pre-molded and come in a range of sizes. They’re the cheapest option but may not fit perfectly, making them less effective at protecting teeth.

Boil-and-bite mouthguards require boiling in water before being molded to fit your teeth. They offer better protection than stock guards as they conform better to your teeth’s shape.

Custom-made guards provide the best protection since they’re made specifically for your individual teeth and bite. A dentist takes an impression of your teeth which is then used to create a mold for your guard.

While custom-made guards offer superior protection, they can be expensive and take longer to get made compared to other options. It’s important to consider what level of protection you need when choosing a type of mouthguard that works for you.

How a Mouthguard Works

A mouthguard is a protective device that covers your teeth and gums to reduce the risk of dental injuries. But how does it actually work?

Firstly, a mouthguard acts as a cushion for your teeth, absorbing any impact from sudden blows or jolts. Without this protection, your teeth are more prone to chipping, cracking, or even getting knocked out.

Furthermore, when you wear a properly fitted mouthguard, it helps to distribute the force of an impact evenly across your entire mouth. This means that instead of one tooth-bearing the brunt of the force (and potentially breaking), all of your teeth will share in absorbing the shock.

Mouthguards can also prevent soft tissue injuries like cuts or bruises on the lips and cheeks. By creating a buffer between hard surfaces (like other players’ elbows) and delicate tissues inside your mouth, they help to minimize damage.

Wearing a well-fitted mouthguard is crucial for protecting both your oral health and overall physical safety during sports or other high-impact activities!

How to Choose the Right Size of a Mouthguard

Choosing the right size of mouthguard is crucial when it comes to ensuring maximum protection against dental injuries. A poorly fitted mouthguard can not only be uncomfortable but also ineffective in preventing tooth damage or loss.

To find the perfect fit for your mouthguard, you need to consider several factors such as age, gender, and dental history. For instance, children may require smaller sizes than adults due to their smaller mouths and teeth.

It’s important to note that there are three types of mouthguards: stock, boil-and-bite, and custom-fitted. Each type has different sizing requirements, so make sure you choose the right one based on your preferences and needs.

When picking out a mouthguard size, start by measuring your bite with a ruler or tape measure. Then check the manufacturer’s sizing chart for guidance on which size would best fit your measurements.

Another helpful tip is to test out the comfort level of the mouthguard before purchasing it. Place it in your mouth and try biting down gently while moving your jaw from side to side. If it feels too loose or tight at any point during testing, then consider trying another size until you find one that fits just right.

Remember that wearing a properly fitted mouthguard can help prevent serious dental injuries during sports activities or other physical activities where contact may occur. So take some time to choose carefully!

The Bottom Line

After weighing the risks of dental injuries, it’s clear that a mouthguard is an essential piece of protective gear for anyone who participates in sports or recreational activities. The cost and discomfort associated with wearing a mouthguard are minimal compared to the potential damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw.

Remember that every sport or activity has its own set of risks and requirements when it comes to mouthguards. Consult with our Calgary dentist or coach to determine what type of mouthguard is best for you based on your individual needs.

In summary, investing in a high-quality mouthguard can prevent serious dental injuries while helping you enjoy all the benefits that come with participating in physical activities. Protecting your smile should always be a top priority!