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Stay Safe in Sports: The Importance of Sports Mouthguards

Protect Your Teeth with a Sports Mouthguard

Sports Mouthguard - Custom Fitted Sports Mouthguard to Protect Your Teeth While Playing Sports Protect those pearly whites with a mouthguard made to fit your mouth when you play sports, especially if you play a contact sport or are vulnerable to injury.

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There is no better feeling than scoring a goal, getting a touchdown, or hitting a home run! The crowds are going wild cheering you on and after the game, all you can do is smile! But sports are physically tough and you could get hit in the face at any moment. While you can’t always prevent getting hit, you can prevent something from ruining your smile. By wearing a mouth guard you can help keep your smile intact and keep you from extra trips to the dentist. You can even get a custom mouthguard made to fit perfectly in your mouth. You can even get it made in the color of your team with your name and jersey number on it too! There are custom-fitted mouthguards available from your dentist, some great over-the-counter options for mouthguards, and even special mouthguards made to protect your braces.

What are Custom-Fitted Sports Mouthguards?

Most dentists will recommend a custom-fitted mouthguard. This is because when custom-made, the mouthguard is molded to fit and protect every little groove in your mouth. The superior fit of a custom mouthguard offers you the most protection you can get from one. To get fitted you’ll need to make a dentist appointment. From there your dentists will take impressions and molds of your teeth. The molds are sent to a lab where they create a mouthguard based on the shape of the mold. Once the mouthguard is ready your dentist will call you to come try it on to see if any adjustments are necessary to achieve maximum comfort and protection. Your dentist will look to make sure it isn’t loose or bulky. A mouthguard that doesn't fit right won’t be as effective.

What are Over the Counter Sports Mouthguards?

Though over-the-counter mouthguards aren't as detailed as a custom mouthguard, they still offer great protection. Lots of these mouth guards are considered “Boil-and-bite”. This is where you boil the mouthguard so the material gets soft. Once soft you will bite into it, leaving impressions and bite marks on your mouthguard. This will help the mouthguard mold to your teeth and help with comfort by not conflicting with any grooves in your mouth. You can repeat these steps to reshape the mouthguard for the best fit.

What Sports Mouthguards to Wear if You Have Braces?

If you have braces, it’s super important to wear a mouth guard when playing sports. Just think of the complication that could be caused by a ball or a person hitting a mouth full of sharp wires at full force. Mouthguards for braces are surprisingly comfortable. Lots of people still use a braces mouthguard after they have their braces removed because of the flexibility of them. Often made of silicone, these mouthguards are designed to conform to the upper brace bracket to provide maximum comfort no matter the shape of your mouth. It adapts and changes as your teeth move in your mouth and are made to protect you from any laceration.

Find the Sports Mouthguard That's Right for You... and Play On!

With multiple options for mouthguards, it is easy to get one that is right for you. Your mouthguard protects more than just your teeth, it protects your tongue from accidentally getting bit during a collision and keeps your gums safe. Whether is store-bought or custom-made, the most important choice is that you wear your mouthguard and protect that smile. Ask your dentist and see what opinion is best for you.

Mouthguard FAQs

What is a sports mouthguard? A sports mouthguard is a protective device to safeguard the mouth, teeth, and surrounding tissues during sports and other physical activities. It is typically made from a pliable and resilient material that conforms to the shape of the wearer’s mouth, providing a custom fit. The primary purpose of a sports mouthguard is to prevent dental injuries, such as fractures or dislodged teeth, by acting as a cushioning barrier between the upper and lower teeth. It also helps protect the lips, cheeks, and tongue from cuts and bruises caused by impacts or collisions. Sports mouthguards are an essential piece of safety equipment for athletes of all ages and skill levels, helping to reduce the risk of oral and facial injuries while engaging in sports and active pursuits. Where can I get a sports mouthguard? You can obtain a sports mouthguard from various sources. The most common option is to visit a dentist or orthodontist, who can provide custom-made mouthguards tailored to fit your mouth precisely. These professionally made mouthguards offer the best protection and comfort. Alternatively, you can find over-the-counter mouthguards at sporting goods stores or pharmacies. While these are generally more affordable, they might provide a different level of custom fit and protection than the ones obtained from dental professionals. If you participate in organized sports, your team or coach might also have resources for getting mouthguards. Remember, investing in a properly fitted sports mouthguard is crucial for ensuring the safety of your teeth and oral health during physical activities. Who should get a sports mouthguard? Anyone participating in sports or physical activities with a risk of oral or facial injuries should consider getting a sports mouthguard. This includes amateur and professional athletes, individuals engaged in recreational sports, and children participating in youth sports. Sports like football, hockey, basketball, soccer, rugby, martial arts, and skateboarding, among others, involve a higher likelihood of dental trauma due to impacts, collisions, or falls. Regardless of age or skill level, wearing a properly fitted sports mouthguard can significantly reduce the risk of chipped or knocked-out teeth, lip and cheek injuries, and even head trauma, ensuring the protection of the mouth and overall oral health during active pursuits.

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Michael Gabor, DMD
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Elizabeth Banister, DMD
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Krystal
Nov 10, 2022

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