Sports mouth guards play an essential role in protecting the teeth, mouth, and jaw from any type of injury when playing sport or engaging in a physical activity. Whether you enjoy playing rugby, boxing, or hockey, or even low-contact activities where there is still a risk of an injury to the mouth, wearing a mouth guard is crucial for keeping your smile looking its best. Unfortunately, many athletes overlook the benefits of using a mouth guard, leading to long-term issues with their teeth and mouth. This guide about sports guards explained will explore what a sports mouth guard is and we encourage you to visit our page to learn more about the benefits of mouth guards for a variety of sports.
What is a Sports Mouth Guard?
A sports mouth guard is a protective device worn over the teeth during sport or physical activities where there is a risk to your teeth, mouth, or jaw. It is different to any type of braces as it’s designed to absorb and distribute the force of an impact, reducing the chance of damage to the teeth, gums, lips, and jaw. Sports which commonly require sports guards include rugby, football, boxing, hockey, and even martial arts. Sports mouth guards are usually made from materials which are flexible to fit around the teeth, such as silicone or thermoplastic. This allows them to comfortably fit around the teeth and cover your upper teeth fully.
We recommend taking the time to choose the right type of dental mouth guard with your dentist or a specialist in this area to offer you the best protection. The main options when it comes to sports mouth guards are stock mouth guards, boil-and-bite mouth guards, and custom-made mouth guards. All of these sports guards have their own pros and cons, but if you can afford a custom sports mouth guard, this will typically offer you the most comprehensive protection.
Custom Mouth Guards: The Best Choice for Athletes
For anyone who plays sports on a regular basis or is looking for the top dental mouth guard on the market today, custom sports guards will be tailored to fit your mouth. It’s something that any preventive dental professional will recommend, as you’ll enjoy the best protection, comfort, and durability. Instead of using a one-size-fits-all mouth guard that you can buy in any sports store, you’ll find that the mouth guard is designed to fit around your gums and teeth and will be more secure in your mouth. This helps it to stay in place no matter how demanding your sports it and offer you the best level of protection possible.
To make a custom mouth guard, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send the mould to a lab where the mouth guard is created. They are made from high-quality materials that are more durable than their store-bought options, making them a worthwhile investment to work alongside preventive dentistry in Manchester to protect your teeth. Keep in mind this option will be more expensive than a mouth guard you can buy in a store, but it’s worth it for anyone who is serious about their sport and protecting their health. It’s also a good option for anyone undergoing a preventive dentistry treatment such as braces, as the mouth guard can sit over them.
Benefits of Sports Mouth Guards
Sports mouth guards are a necessary piece of protective equipment for athletes of all ages. These are some of the top benefits they’ll offer to you and the reasons we recommend investing in one to support your overall health and wellbeing.
Protection Against Dental Injuries
One of the key benefits of wearing a sports mouth guard is the protection it provides against dental injuries. The risk of damaging your teeth when playing a sport like rugby or hockey is very high and you may end up with a chipped, cracked, or knocked-out tooth. The mouth guard will work as a shock absorber and protect your teeth from long-term damage and costly treatments.
Prevention of Soft Tissue Injuries
In addition to protecting your teeth, sports mouth guards help stop injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth. This includes the gums, lips, cheeks, and tongue. A properly-fitted mouth guard acts as a barrier between the teeth and the soft tissues, and is recommend for anyone playing a sport where falls and mouth injuries are common.
Confidence and Peace of Mind When Playing Sport
Wearing a sports mouth guard can provide athletes with the confidence to play their sport without damaging their teeth and mouth. We all want to look and feel our best at all times, which is why taking measures now to protect your health and appearance for years to come is so important.
Sports mouth guards are something we recommend athletes of all ages and abilities invest in. Contact us today to learn more about custom sports guards and the options on offer to protect your smile.