Mouthguards in Active Sports

Custom mouthguards have a significant impact on the sports world. Athletes must wear sports mouthguards to protect their jaws and prevent concussions.

A well-fitted sports mouthguard offers more than just comfort; it protects against concussions, broken teeth, soft tissue injuries, and jaw fractures. Below are the top reasons athletes should wear a mouthguard during active play.

#1. Prevent concussions and head trauma

A mouthguard is one of the most effective tools in reducing the risk of concussion during active sports. When you experience a sudden impact—from a collision, a fall, or an accidental hit—your jaw can snap shut with force, causing your teeth to clash violently.

This impact can send shockwaves through the skull, increasing the risk of concussions and traumatic brain injuries.

A properly fitted mouthguard absorbs and disperses this impact, acting as a cushion to reduce jaw movement and lessen the force transferred to the head. A mouthguard significantly minimises the risk of concussions and other head-related injuries by providing a softer surface for teeth to bite down on.

For athletes of all ages and skill levels, wearing a mouthguard is a simple yet highly effective way to stay protected and maintain peak performance on the field or court.

#2. Protect against tooth fractures and loss

The mouthguard’s most evident use in sports is to keep your teeth from fracturing or cracking. Dental repair work for a misplaced elbow could run into hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

Wearing a mouthguard creates a protective barrier between your teeth and any potential impact, such as an elbow or a forceful collision.

This barrier helps absorb much of the impact and spreads it over a larger area, reducing the likelihood of tooth damage or being knocked out.

Additionally, the mouthguard acts as a cushion, further minimising the risk of fractures by absorbing and dispersing the impact force.

Investing in a high-quality, custom-fitted mouthguard protects your teeth and prevents the financial burden and discomfort associated with dental injuries. A mouthguard is an easy and efficient approach to prevent injuries, and prevention is always preferable to treatment.

#3. Protects against soft tissue injuries

A mouthguard protects teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongue from accidental cuts and lacerations. A hard impact or fall can cause teeth to bite into the mouth’s soft tissues, leading to painful injuries that may require stitches or medical intervention.

Mouthguards provide a smooth, cushioning surface that reduces the chances of your teeth cutting into your inner cheeks or lips during sudden impacts. This prevents painful injuries and reduces the risk of infections and prolonged healing times.

By incorporating a mouthguard into your regular sports gear, you can minimise the likelihood of unnecessary injuries and focus on playing your best game with confidence.

#4. Protect against tooth displacement

A mouthguard may prevent a tooth from being chipped or knocked out of position during high-impact activities.

Using a mouthguard, which forms a protective barrier between the teeth and potential sources of impact, such as collisions or falls, dramatically decreases the risk of dental injuries.

Properly worn mouthguards distribute the force of impact evenly across all teeth, minimising the likelihood of one tooth bearing the brunt of the force.

This uniform force distribution helps prevent tooth displacement and reduces the risk of fractures and chips.

Therefore, while participating in sports and other physical activities, wearing a mouthguard correctly is essential to ensuring maximum protection and maintaining the integrity of your smile.

#5. Help prevent neck and jaw injuries

A mouthguard prevents potential jaw fractures, tooth damage, and tissue harm. Your jaw can only take so much force before it gets unbearable without the flexibility of a mouthguard to shift the force.

Your jawbones may get overextended in the event of a direct blow to the head that forces your teeth to crash together and break or fracture them.

The mouthguard’s cushioning protects your jaw from fractures that require surgery.

Protect your smile against serious injury this footy season by wearing custom mouthguards!

Choosing the Right Mouthguard: Why Custom-Fitted is Best

Not all mouthguards are created equal. While over-the-counter options provide some level of protection, they often lack the precise fit and comfort needed for optimal safety.

Custom-fitted mouthguards, designed by dental professionals, offer the highest level of security and comfort.

Here’s why custom mouthguards are superior:

• Perfect Fit: Custom mouthguards precisely fit your teeth and jaw structure, ensuring maximum protection and comfort.
• Enhanced Durability: Professionally crafted mouthguards use high-quality materials that last longer and withstand repeated impacts.
• Better Breathing & Speaking: Unlike generic mouthguards that may feel bulky or uncomfortable, custom-fitted options allow for natural breathing and speaking, helping athletes stay focused.
• Superior Shock Absorption: A custom-fit design distributes impact forces more effectively, offering better protection against concussions and dental injuries.

Protecting Your Smile with Custom Mouthguard in Warrnambool

Wearing a mouthguard is the best protection for your smile when playing contact sports.

At Warrnambool Dental, we provide preventive dental services, including custom-made mouthguards and splints, to help you keep your mouth in good condition and avoid dental issues.

Visit your Warrnambool dentists today!

Call us on (03) 5562 4433 or request your appointment online.

We are located at 454A Raglan Parade, Warrnambool.