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Sports season’s coming! Are your teeth protected? Don’t get caught unprepared. Mouthguards are a must-have for every athlete. Gear up and get in the game! They’ll keep you safe from chipped teeth, broken jaws, and a whole lot of pain. And guess what? Even certain research indicates they can reduce the incidence of concussions!

So this season, you will need to get ready right? Whether you play on the field, court, or ice, a mouthguard is as necessary as your shoes or helmet. You do need one. But how do you select the proper one?

Today, we’re giving you important mouthguard facts to protect you and have you playing your best. Your mouthguard needs to be the right one. Keep your smile safe and keep playing!

What is a sports mouthguard?

A mouthguard for sports guards your teeth and jaw from damage while participating. It is a helmet for your jaw and teeth. Mouthguards avoid chipped teeth, broken jaws, and concussions. A mouthguard is required by all athletes, at any level.

Why do you need mouthguards?

• Dental Injuries : Mouthguards prevent chipped, broken, and knocked-out teeth.
• Jaw Protection : They minimise the risk of jaw fractures and dislocations.
• Concussion Reduction : This may help lessen concussion severity (more research is needed).
• Cost Savings : Avoid expensive and painful dental work.
• Confidence Boost : Play with increased confidence and concentration.
• Soft Tissue Protection : Avoids lip, cheek, and tongue lacerations and cuts.

What are the types of sports mouthguards?

1. Custom-Fitted Mouthguards : Hand-fitted by our dentist for maximum protection.
2. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards : Readily available at sporting goods stores and pharmacies.
3. Stock Mouthguards : Pre-formed, ready to wear straight from the package.

What type of mouthguard is best for an individual with braces or other dental work?

For an individual with braces or other dental work, a custom-fitted mouthguard is certainly the best option.

Here’s why:

• Accommodation : Custom-fit mouthguards fit comfortably over braces and other dental work.
• Superior Protection : They offer the best protection for teeth and braces against impacts.
• Comfort :Designed for maximum comfort, minimising irritation.
• Soft Tissue Protection :They help protect lips and cheeks from cuts and abrasions.
• Maintains Proper Fit : Can be trimmed as the teeth shift throughout treatment.

How do You know if your mouthguard fits properly?

• Secure Fit
  • Stays in Place : You won’t need to grit your teeth to keep it in position.
  • No Slipping or Shifting : It must not slip or change position when being used.
• Comfortable Fit
  • Snug but Not Too Tight : It should feel snug and secure but not so tight that it causes discomfort or pressure.
  • No Rubbing or Irritation : It shouldn’t rub against your gums or the soft tissues of your mouth, causing irritation or sores.
  • Covers All Teeth : Covers all teeth, but not so far back that you gag.
• Proper Function
  • Easy Breathing : You need to be able to breathe easily with the mouthguard.
  • Clear Speech : You need to be able to speak reasonably well, although a bit of muffle is expected.
  • Easy Drinking : need to be able to have a drink of water without an issue.
• Coverage
  • Covers Teeth and Gums : It should cover all the surfaces of your teeth and some of your gums to best shield them.
  • Doesn’t Interfere with Bite : It shouldn’t disturb your bite or the way your teeth fit together.
• Professional Check (Recommended)
  • Dentist Consultation : The best way to ensure that it fits correctly is to have our dentists inspect your mouthguard.

Are mouthguards recommended for children and teenagers playing sports?

Mouthguards are strongly advised for kids and adolescents who play sports.

Here’s why:

• Increased Risk : Developing teeth and jaws puts kids and teens at higher risk of sports-related dental injuries.
• Preventing Long-Term Problems : Childhood dental injuries can have lasting effects on tooth development, alignment, and self-esteem.
• Protecting Growing Jaws : Mouthguards protect teeth and jaw, which are still developing in children and teens.
• Habit Formation : Starting mouthguard use early builds lifelong protection habits.

Which sports?

• Football
• Hockey
• Martial Arts
• Basketball
• Baseball/Softball
• Soccer
• Skateboarding
• Cycling
• Gymnastics

How often should You replace my mouthguard?

• Frequency of Use : The more often you wear your mouthguard, the more quickly it will wear down.
• Intensity of Activity : High-impact sports will put more stress on your mouthguard, leading to faster wear and tear.
• Type of Mouthguard : Custom mouthguards last longer due to better materials and fit.
• Care and Maintenance : Proper cleaning and storage can extend the life of your mouthguard.
• Signs of Wear and Tear : Look for signs of aging, such as tears, cracking, thinning, or deformation.

If your mouthguard exhibits any of these symptoms, it’s time to replace it.

When Mouthguards Might Not Be For You?

Whereas mouthguards protect teeth, others have to be used cautiously or visit our professional dentist. Some conditions can make mouthguards uncomfortable, ineffective, or harmful.

Consult our dentist before using a mouthguard if:

• Individuals with Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders : Mouthguards, especially ill-fitting ones, can sometimes exacerbate TMJ pain or discomfort.
• People with Severe Gag Reflexes : A strong gag reflex can make mouthguard use difficult.
• Those with Certain Dental Appliances : Custom mouthguards fit over braces, but other appliances may need adjustments.
• Individuals with Significant Breathing Issues : Mouthguards can be hard to use with respiratory conditions.
• Anyone Experiencing Mouth Pain or Discomfort : If your mouthguard hurts, stop using it and consult our dentist.
• Children with Erupting Teeth : Kids with erupting teeth may need mouthguard adjustments.
• Individuals with Recent Oral Surgery or Injuries : After oral surgery or mouth injuries, consult our dentist before using a mouthguard.

Talk to our dentist about mouthguards, especially if you have pre-existing conditions. We can help you choose the right mouthguard and ensure its safe and effective use.

Is a custom-fitted mouthguard worth the extra cost?

A custom mouthguard costs more, but preventing even one chipped tooth makes it worth it. Knowing your teeth are well-protected lets you play harder and worry less. Improved fit, improved comfort, improved performance. That’s the advantage of a custom mouthguard.

Does dental insurance cover custom mouthguards?

Dental insurance policies generally cover custom-fitted mouthguards. If you are unsure about the coverage of custom mouthguards, check your policy. We can assist you, and we’d be pleased to go through it with you.

Final Thoughts

Protecting your smile is most important to any athlete. Prioritising mouthguard use, custom or stock, is an initial step in preventing sport-related dental injuries. Contact us at Winning Smiles Dentist for mouthguard advice today!