Sports-Mouth-Guard

The Importance of Wearing a Sports Mouth Guard

Wearing a sports mouth guard is one of the most important safety measures that athletes should take in order to protect their teeth, gums and other parts of their mouths from serious injuries.

A sports mouth guard not only helps prevent dental injuries but can also help minimize the severity of an impact to the face and head. This makes wearing a sports mouth guard an essential part of any athlete’s protective gear during sporting events.

In this article, we will discuss why wearing a sports mouth guard is so important, what types are available and how they should be used correctly for optimal protection.

By understanding the importance of wearing a sports mouth guard, athletes can ensure that their health and well-being is protected while participating in contact sports.

What is a Sports Mouth Guard and What are Its Types?

A sports mouth guard is a protective device worn over the teeth and gums to help prevent dental injuries during contact sports.

The most common type of sports mouth guard is a pre-molded, ready-to-wear product made from soft, durable plastic or rubber that flexes when an impact occurs.

Other types of sports mouth guards include custom-fitted guards made by dentists, boil-and-bite guards which are softened in hot water and molded to fit the wearer’s teeth, and hybrid guards which are combinations of pre-molded and custom fitted.

No matter what type of mouthguard you choose, it should be comfortable enough to wear without interfering with breathing or speech, and it should be able to stay in place during physical activity.

Additionally, the mouth guard should be well-cushioned so that it can absorb the force of impacts that occur during activities such as rugby or football.

Benefits of Wearing a Sports Mouth Guard

By wearing a sports mouth guard, athletes can reduce their risk of suffering from dental injuries due to contact with other players or objects.

In addition to protecting teeth, gums and other oral structures from damage, studies have shown that wearing a mouthguard can also help minimize the severity of an impact to the face and head.

This makes wearing a sports mouth guard essential for any athlete who participates in contact sports, such as rugby or hockey.

Additionally, wearing a mouthguard can help relieve tension in the jaw during physical activity and may even provide some protection against concussions.

How to Choose the Right Sports Mouth Guard

When selecting a sports mouth guard, it is important to consider factors such as fit and comfort. A properly fitted mouthguard should be comfortable enough to wear without interfering with breathing or speech, and it should be able to stay in place during physical activity.

Additionally, the mouth guard should be well-cushioned so that it can absorb the force of impacts that occur during activities such as rugby or football.

It is also important to consider the type of sports mouthguard you choose. Pre-molded, ready-to-wear guards are inexpensive and easy to obtain but may not provide optimal protection due to a lack of customization for each individual’s teeth and gums.

On the other hand, custom fitted mouthguards offer superior comfort and protection but may require multiple visits to a dental office.

Finally, boil-and-bite guards which are softened in hot water and molded to fit the wearer’s teeth, and hybrid guards are options that combine pre-molded and custom fitted guards and offer a balance between cost, comfort and protection.

How Should You Wear a Sports Mouth Guard

Once you have selected the right sports mouth guard for your needs, it is important to make sure that you wear it properly so that it can provide maximum protection against dental injuries.

Generally speaking, the mouthguard should be worn on the upper teeth with the front edges resting over the gum line of both the upper and lower jaw. The fit should be snug but comfortable and should not interfere with breathing or speech.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that the mouthguard is kept clean in order to prevent bacteria from growing on it. Most sports mouthguards come with a protective case for storage when not in use, which can help protect them from dirt and other contaminants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wearing a sports mouth guard is essential for any athlete who participates in contact sports such as rugby or hockey.

By choosing the right type of mouthguard and ensuring that it fits properly and is kept clean, athletes can reduce their risk of suffering from dental injuries due to contact with other players or objects while engaging in physical activity.

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