What is a Mouthguard?
A mouthguard, as the name suggests, is designed to protect your mouth and teeth. Mouthguards are typically made of flexible materials such as plastic or rubber and are molded to fit over the teeth comfortably. They absorb and distribute the force of impacts, reducing the risk of broken teeth, jaw injuries, and soft tissue damage.
Is Wearing A Mouthguard Necessary?
Protecting your smile when playing sports in essential when you have braces. If you participate in basketball, boxing, hockey, football, gymnastics, lacrosse, or other high impact athletic activities it is recommended by the Canadian Association of Orthodontists that you wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and gums from injury. As an essential piece of athletic sports gear, mouthgaurds are a necessity for athletes of any age or kind.
The Importance of Wearing A Sports Mouthguard
Sports mouthguards minimize the risk of serious injury to the mouth, jaw, teeth, tongue, or cheek if an athlete is at risk of injury to the face. The dental appliance is most commonly worn on the upper teeth to enhance protection as they protrude further from the mouth and are at a higher risk for damage.
Types of Sports Mouthguards
With several options available, choosing the right athletic mouthguard is essential. There are three basic types of sports mouthguards:
- the pre-made mouthguard
- the “boil-and-bite” fitted mouthguard
- the custom-made mouthguard from your dentist or orthodontist
HOW TO CHOOSE A MOUTHGUARD
When you choose a mouthguard, be sure to pick one that’s comfortable, fits correctly in your mouth, doesn’t interfere with your ability to breathe, and is easy to clean. You can purchase pre-made mouth guards and boil-and-bite mouthguards from any sporting goods store while you are in orthodontic treatment. Once orthodontic treatment is finished, it’s recommended to have a custom-fitted mouthguard made by a reputable dentist.
Benefits of a Custom-Made Mouthguard
Custom-made sports mouthguards offer several advantages over off-the-shelf mouthguards. Some benefits include:
- Tailored fit for optimal protection.
- Maximum comfort, as they are specifically designed for your mouth.
- Longevity due to their durable design.
- Prevent slipping and irritation within the mouth.
- Do not hinder performance and endurance, thanks to their customized fit.
Protect Your Braces During Sports
If you wear an oral appliance like braces, it is highly recommended for you to wear a mouthguard during contact sports. If you get injured, your sports mouthguard will protect not only your braces but your cheeks and lips from oral injury. Though it is common to only wear protection on your upper teeth, there are occasions where your orthodontist may recommend a custom-fit mouthguard for your lower teeth if you have braces.
Protect Your Smile With Custom Sports Mouthguards
Sports-related injuries to the mouth and jaw are some of the most common injuries incurred by athletes. Our goal is to help minimize your chances of a sports-related injury to your smile. For more information about custom-fitted mouthguards or to schedule an appointment at our London, Ontario office, contact the orthodontic professionals at Wonder West Orthodontics.
