Dental injuries in sports are unlike most other athletic injuries, and many athletes do not realize this until they end up in a dental chair after a game. Sprained ankles and bruised shoulders will heal. A broken tooth will not. A mouthguard is one of the easiest and least disruptive pieces of protective gear an athlete can wear, yet sadly, they are underused.
What a Mouthguard Does
A sports mouthguard does more than most people think. When you get hit by a ball or an elbow, when you fall or another player knocks you into a wall, a mouthguard absorbs the shock and spreads out the force to keep it from impacting your teeth and jawbone.
Without this protection, the full force hits your mouth directly, which can cause fractures or even knock a tooth out. A good mouthguard also shields your lips, cheeks, and tongue from being pushed against your teeth during sudden impact, which is a common and painful injury in contact sports.
The Type of Mouthguard You Choose Matters
There are three main types of mouthguards for athletes, and they each work differently. Stock mouthguards are pre-made in standard sizes. They are inexpensive and easy to find, but they usually fit poorly and can make it hard to breathe or speak during play. Boil-and-bite mouthguards can be softened in hot water and shaped at home, but the fit is still not perfect, and they can move around during games. A custom mouthguard is made from a scan or mold of your teeth, so it fits snugly without extra bulk or slipping. The difference in comfort and fit between a store-bought mouthguard and a custom one makes all the difference in how protected your teeth are during a game.
The Connection Between Fit and Protection
A mouthguard that does not fit well tends not to get worn, and a mouthguard that is not worn provides no protection at all. When a mouthguard is too loose, it shifts during play and requires conscious effort to keep in place, which is distracting. If it is too bulky, it’s harder to breathe and talk to teammates.
A properly fitted mouthguard stays put, lets you breathe normally, and becomes just another part of your pre-game routine, like putting on a helmet or shin guards. Athletes who practice with a good mouthguard often say they stop noticing it after a few sessions.
For younger athletes in particular, the case for protection is especially strong, since permanent teeth are still relatively new and the supporting bone and root structure are still maturing. An injury during those years can have consequences that extend well into adulthood.
Why Wear a Custom Mouthguard
Treating a serious dental injury can take months, require several procedures, and cost significantly more than a custom mouthguard. Some injuries cannot be avoided, but many can, and wearing a well-made mouthguard is the best way to lower your risk.
At Cool Springs Laser Dentistry, we are waiting for you to come get your custom mouthguard. Call our office located in Brentwood, TN, and give your smile the protection it deserves.
