5 Benefits of Wearing a Mouthguard for Contact Sports

Did you know that mouthguards can provide a number of benefits for athletes who participate in contact sports? In fact, mouthguards are so important that the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that all athletes wear them while playing contact sports. If you are not currently wearing a mouthguard when you play, here are five reasons why you should start. 

What is a Mouthguard?

A mouthguard is a device that you wear over the teeth to protect them from damage. Mouthguards help protect teeth, braces, dental implants and dental bridges from damage. Custom-fitted mouthguards work best, as they fit the unique shape of the braces or implants. There are many reasons why athletes should wear mouthguards while playing contact sports. Perhaps the most important reason is that mouthguards can prevent dental injuries.

Risk of Injury

There is a risk of sustaining a dental injury while playing a contact sport. If this happens, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Depending on the extent of the damage, the dentist may be able to save the tooth.

Common injuries we see from athletes include:

• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Broken teeth
• Knocked out teeth
• Jaw injuries

5 Benefits of Wearing a Mouthguard for Contact Sports

Mouthguards offer a number of benefits for athletes. They can:

1. Protect your teeth from being cracked or broken.

During contact sports, there is a risk of your teeth being hit by a hard object. This can cause them to crack or break. Wearing a mouthguard can help to protect your teeth from this type of damage.

2. Prevent your teeth from being knocked out.

In some cases, an impact to the mouth can cause one or more teeth to be completely knocked out. Wearing a mouthguard can help to reduce the risk of this happening. If you do experience a knocked out tooth, you can try to save it by:

• Picking up the tooth by the crown (the white part)
• Gently rinsing it off with water
• Trying to put the tooth back in its socket – if you are unable to do so, place the tooth in a glass of milk

3. Prevent your lips, cheeks, and tongue from being cut.

Cuts can occur from contact with another player, equipment, or the ground. When you wear a mouthguard, it will cover your teeth and gums and help to protect them from being cut by anything that comes into contact with your face.

4. Reduce the risk of concussions.

Some studies have shown that wearing a mouthguard can help to reduce the risk of suffering a concussion. For example, a study done showed that high school football players wearing store-bought, over-the-counter mouthguards were more than twice as likely to suffer mild traumatic brain injuries/concussions than those wearing custom-made, properly fitted mouthguards. Researchers suggest that when it comes to buying a mouthguard, parents who want to reduce their child’s risk of a sports-related concussion should visit a dentist instead of a sporting goods store.

5. Make it easier to focus on the game.

When you wear a mouthguard, you will not have to worry about your teeth being damaged or knocked out. This can help you to focus on playing the game and can help you to enjoy it more.

Protecting Your Smile

As you can see, there are many reasons why athletes should wear mouthguards while playing contact sports. If you are not currently wearing a mouthguard, we encourage you to talk to your dentist about getting one. Custom-fitted mouthguards offer the best protection for your smile.

Your Appointment

At our office, we want to help you protect your smile. We offer custom-fitted mouthguards that are made to fit the unique shape of your teeth. At your appointment, we will take impressions of your teeth and use them to create a mouthguard that is specifically designed for you. We will also make sure that the mouthguard fits properly and that you are comfortable wearing it.

Maintaining Your Mouthguard

It is important to clean your mouthguard on a regular basis. You should brush it with toothpaste and water after each use. You should also store it in a cool, dry place when you are not using it. If your mouthguard becomes damaged, you should replace it as soon as possible.

Make an Appointment with Stonebrook Family Dental

If you would like to learn more about mouthguards or are ready to get yours, we encourage you to contact our office. We will be happy to answer any of your questions and help you schedule an appointment. Contact us today to protect your smile!