Detailed Guide to Sports Guards
With the increased need for physical fitness, contact sports are becoming more popular. As more people engage in contact sports, injuries have significantly increased, especially among children and adolescents. Reports suggest that at least 36% of injuries among kids and adolescents are sports-related.
Among other injuries, about 10 to 20 % are maxillofacial injuries relating to the face, nose, teeth, mouth, face, jaw, nose, and eyes. With dental injuries being the most prevalent type of orofacial injury during contact sports, wearing a mouthguard can help to prevent or minimize injuries to the mouth and teeth.
Preventing Dental Injuries
If possible, you should never wait for an accident or injury to happen if you can prevent it. Wearing a quality sports guard is one of the best ways to protect your teeth and other oral structures during contact sports. While it can’t prevent accidents, a mouth guard reduces the impact of accident to the teeth and mouth, reducing the severity of the injuries.
According to the American Dental Association, athletes engaging in competitive and recreational contact sports should always wear a mouthguard. The sports during which one should wear a sports guard include:
- Football
- Ice hockey
- Field hockey
- Basketball
- Gymnastics
- Rugby
- Lacrosse
- Skiing
- Skateboarding
- Soccer
- Volleyball
- Weightlifting
- Wrestling
Choosing the Right Mouth Guard
Mouthguards or sports guards are generally worn over the teeth. For maximum protection, it’s crucial to go for the best mouthguard. A good mouthguard should be comfortable, high quality, resilient, and tear-resistant.
It should fit perfectly without causing discomfort or damage to the teeth and surrounding oral structures. As well, it shouldn’t affect or restrict your breathing or speech. When choosing mouth guards, you have three primary options, including:
- Custom-Made Sports Guards
Custom sports guards are specifically made for you, either in a dental office or a dental laboratory. Once you visit a dentist for custom mouth guards, they will take impressions of your teeth and use them to create the mouth guard. Since they fit perfectly, custom mouth guards offer the best protection and comfort. The only downside is that these guards are somewhat expensive compared to alternative mouth guards.
- Boil and Bite Mouth Guards
These mouth guards are pre-made can be found in a local sports store near you. If you can’t afford the custom sports guard from your dentist, this is the best alternative to consider.
As the name suggests, boil and bite sports guard work by heating and biting. The thermoplastic is heated in hot water, and then you’ll have to bite over it to provide a customized fit. For best results, follow the manufacturer’s directions strictly.
- Stock Mouth Guards
These are probably the cheapest and most available sports guards. They are pre-made and ready to wear. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to get a perfect fit, meaning that they can be bulky, uncomfortable, and cause difficulties speaking or breathing. Luckily, stock mouth guards are available in a variety of sizes.
Of all the three types of mouth guards, custom mouth guards offer the best protection and comfort. Since they are specifically made for your dental condition, they are unlikely to cause injuries to your teeth, gums, and other surrounding structures. For sports guards services near you, contact Claremont Dental Group.
How Long Does a Mouth Guard Last
Even the most durable mouth guards will wear out over time. Ideally, sports guards should be replaced after every season for maximum protection. Replacement should be sooner for adolescents since their mouths and teeth continue to develop over time.
Caring for Your Sports Guards
To ensure that your sports guards serve you well and for long time, proper care is essential. To care for your sports guard:
- Store your mouth guards in their proper container. Keep them away from direct sunlight.
- Wear your sports guards every time during contact sports.
- Always clean the sports guard after every use. Use antibacterial soap and warm water. Avoid hot water as it can degrade the plastic.
- Examine your sports guard regularly for any damage like cracks or chips.
- Don’t share your guards with other people.
Schedule An Appointment Today
Wearing a mouth guard will reduce the impact of sports accidents, safeguarding your teeth and mouth. Also, a mouth guard gives you peace of mind, allowing you to play with confidence. For professional, custom fitted sports guards, contact Claremont Dental Group today to book your appointment.