Importance of Mouth Guards to Prevent Sports-related Trauma
Athletic mouth protectors, or mouth guards, are made of soft plastic. They are adapted to fit comfortably to the shape of the upper teeth. Those children who play sports must wear mouthguards as it can prevent them from various injuries. In this article, we will explain the importance of mouth guards to prevent sports-related dental trauma and its type to help you select the right fit for you.
Why Is It Important For Athletes To Wear Mouth Guards In Sports?
The importance of mouth guards is like being the top priority as sports equipment. They not only protect the teeth, but the lips, cheeks, and tongue as well. They help protect children from such head and neck injuries as concussions and jaw fractures.
Increasingly, sports mouth guards are made to prevent injury to their athletes. Research shows that most oral injuries occur when athletes are not wearing mouth protection.
When Should Your Child Wear A Mouth Guard?
Your child should wear a mouth guard whenever he or she is in an activity with a risk of falls or of head contact with other players or equipment. This includes football, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, skateboarding, even gymnastics.
We usually think of football and hockey as the most dangerous to the teeth, but nearly half of sports-related mouth injuries occur in basketball and baseball.
Can I Get An Injury While Wearing A Mouthguard?
An athletic mouth guard can protect your child’s teeth, cheeks, lips, gums, and smile. However, studies have shown that even with a mouth guard in place, up to 25% of dento-alveolar injuries can still occur.
In Which Sports I Should Wear A Mouth Guard?
Many experts recommend that a mouth guard be worn for any recreational activity that poses a risk of injury to the mouth. Sports in which a mouth guard should be worn include (but are not limited to):
Different Types of Mouth Guards
There are 3 types of mouth guards which includes the following:
1. Stock Mouth Guards
Stock mouth guards can be purchased over the counter.
2. Mouth-formed
Mouth-formed, also known as boil and bite. These are the most commonly used among athletes, but vary greatly in protection, retention, comfort and cost.
3. Custom-fabricated Mouth Guards
Custom-fabricated mouth guards are fabricated by the dentist according to your needs.
Final Remarks About Mouth Guards
The Academy for Sports Dentistry recommends the use of a properly fitted mouth guard; encourages the use of a custom fabricated mouth guard made over a dental cast and delivered under the supervision of a dentist; and supports a mandate for use of a properly fitted mouth guard in all collision and contact sports.
The most effective mouth guard should be resilient, tear-resistant, and comfortable. It should fit properly, be easy to clean, and not restrict speech or breathing.
