Mouth Guards Prevent Dental Injury in Sports

Mouth guards are dental devices designed to protect the teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues during sports activities or from teeth grinding during sleep (bruxism). They are typically made of soft plastic materials and custom-fitted to a person’s mouth for maximum comfort and protection. Here are the different types of mouth guards and their advantages:

1. Custom-Fitted Mouth guards:

   • Custom-made by a dentist using an impression of the person’s teeth.
   • Provides the best fit, comfort, and protection.
   • Offers superior shock absorption, reducing the risk of dental injuries during sports.
   • Helps to prevent tooth fractures, dislodgements, and soft tissue injuries.
   • Can also be used as nightguards to protect against teeth grinding (bruxism).

2. Boil-and-Bite Mouth guards:

   • Available over-the-counter at sporting goods stores or pharmacies.
   • Made of thermoplastic material that softens in hot water.
   • The user places the softened mouth guard in their mouth, biting down to create a custom fit.
   • Offers better fit and protection compared to stock mouth guards.

3. Stock Mouth guards:

   • The most basic type, available pre-formed and ready-to-wear.
   • Least expensive but often the least comfortable and protective.
   • Typically, one size fits all, leading to a less secure fit in the mouth.
   • May impede proper breathing and speech.

Advantages of Mouth guards:

1. Protection against Dental Injuries: Mouth guards cushion and distribute the force of impact, reducing the risk of broken teeth, chipped teeth, and other dental injuries during sports activities.
2. Preventing Tooth Grinding Damage: Nightguards protect teeth from excessive wear caused by grinding or clenching during sleep. This helps prevent tooth sensitivity and other related dental problems.
3. Jaw Protection: Mouth guards can also protect the jaw by acting as a buffer between the upper and lower teeth thereby reducing the risk of jaw fractures and dislocations.
4. Preventing Soft Tissue Injuries: Mouth guards cover the teeth and help protect the lips, cheeks, tongue, and gums from cuts, bruises, and other injuries that may result from a blow to the mouth.
5. Improved Performance: In sports, wearing a mouth guard can increase confidence and reduce the fear of injury, allowing athletes to focus better on their performance.
6. Enhanced Shock Absorption: Custom-fitted mouth guards are designed to provide optimal shock absorption, reducing the force transmitted to the head and neck during impacts.

It’s essential to choose the right type of mouth guard based on your needs. For the best protection and comfort, custom-fitted mouth guards made by a dentist are generally recommended, especially for high-impact sports or severe bruxism cases. Consult your dentist to determine the most suitable mouth guard for your specific needs.