One-third of sports injuries are to the mouth or face. While some injuries are unavoidable, mouthguards are a simple and affordable way to protect against injury.
Who Should Wear a Mouthguard?
There are few sports that require a mouthguard, but wearing this inexpensive protection can save thousands of dollars in dental work.
According to this article, even if there is only an incidental chance of impact to the face it is still recommended to wear a mouthguard as an extra layer of protection from potential injury.
Recommended sports to wear a mouthguard for include:
- Contact sports are conventionally sports where mouthguards are often worn by players since there is a high chance of impact on the face
- Incidental contact sport players such as basketball, field hockey, and soccer should consider wearing a mouthguard
- Mountain biking, skateboarding, skiing, and snowboarding action-type sports are also suggested situations wearing a mouthguard can help protect
3 Common Types of Mouthguards
There are few options available on the market for mouth protectors, they range in price and start at around $20. You can read more about the pros and cons of each type of mouthguard here:
- Stock protectors are the cheapest option, however, they often don’t fit comfortably or offer optimal protection since they are manufactured to be a one-shape-fits-all.
- Boil and bite mouthguards allow you to get a little more customized fit by boiling the mouthguard and biting into it to create a mold of your teeth at home.
- Custom mouthguards are available at your dental office. Your dentist creates an impression of your teeth and creates a custom fit for you and your bite.
Caring for Your Mouthguard
Taking good care of your mouth protector helps keep it in great condition. If your mouthguard is damaged or has excessive wear, it may be time to replace it. It is worth the small cost in order to protect your mouth.
- Soak in non-alcoholic rinse to remove any debris
- Rinse and brush with toothpaste
- Properly store the mouthguard in a container to prevent damage when it isn’t in use
- Avoid sunlight and hot foods/drinks as they can cause mouthguards to warp and no longer fit
Call today to make your appointment to have a custom mouthguard made to protect you and your mouth.
