BENEFITS OF SPORTS GUARDS: EXPLORE WHY YOU NEED THEM FOR TEETH

Sports are not only a great way to stay fit and have fun, but they also bring people together. However, sometimes sports can be dangerous and result in injuries that can take you out of the game or cost you a fortune in dental bills. Luckily, sports guards are there to keep you or your child safe while helping you avoid extensive dental bills.

Whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner in the game, safety should always be your top priority. And that’s where these sports guards come in. They offer excellent protection to your teeth and jaw against injuries, regardless of the intensity of the sport.

So, let’s dive in and explore the basics of sports guards and why they are a must-have for anyone who loves sports.

WHY ARE MOUTHGUARDS IMPORTANT?

If you are participating in sports or engaging in activities that threaten to hit your face or mouth, using a mouthguard is essential. Such items are similar to helmets for teeth! They delicately protect not just your pearly whites but also the adjacent areas, like gums and cheeks, from getting hurt with the help of soft plastic or laminate material they’re made of.

Similar to how you use a helmet for head protection, putting on a mouthguard safeguards your smile. No matter, if you are engaging in football, basketball, or skateboarding, using one can decrease the risks of severe dental injuries occurring.

Moreover, studies indicate that the utilization of mouthguards notably reduces the probability of sustaining injuries in the oral region while engaging in sports. Nevertheless, not all individuals employ them for protection. It is important to note that approximately 41% of athletes wear mouthguards to ensure the utmost safety for their oral structure during physical activities.

Hence, in case your child asks the reason behind wearing a mouthguard, you can explain that it’s like safeguarding their grin when they’re enjoying themselves and engaging in physical activities.

KEY BENEFITS OF WEARING SPORTS GUARDS

If you are an athlete or enjoy playing sports, wearing sports guards can provide you with a range of benefits.

1. PROTECT YOUR TEETH AGAINST INJURIES

Imagine you are out there giving your all in a game, and suddenly, you take a hit to the face. This is where the role of a sports mouthguard comes into the picture. They absorb some of that force and significantly lower the risk of breaking or losing a tooth.

sports guard

2. SAFEGUARD YOUR BRAIN

Ever worry about those intense moments in contact sports leading to concussions? Well, a sports mouthguard does not just protect your teeth. It also safeguards your brain. By softening the impact of a direct blow to your jaw, it absorbs the shock received by a hit and reduces the risk of potential brain injuries.

3. KEEP SOFT TISSUES SAFE AND SOUND

When you are pushing yourself in sports, injuries can happen, especially to those sensitive soft tissues like your lips, inner cheeks, tongue, and gums. But with a reliable sports mouthguard, you won’t have to stress about splitting them open or accidentally biting down in the most painful spots anymore.

4. PROTECT DENTAL DEVICES LIKE BRACES FROM DAMAGE

Braces are fantastic for straightening out your smile, but they can be vulnerable during sports. That’s where the sports mouthguard comes into the picture again! Not only does it shield your braces from potential damage, but it also keeps them from causing any unexpected harm to you.

So, whether you’re scoring goals on the field or hitting the gym for an intense workout, don’t forget to gear up with a sports mouthguard. Your teeth, brain, soft tissues, and braces will thank you for the added protection!

WRAPPING UP

The importance of sports guards for protecting teeth and overall oral health cannot be exaggerated. Beyond just safeguarding our smiles, these mouthguards act as vital protective gear, similar to helmets for teeth. They provide the utmost protection against potential injuries in various sports and physical activities. By absorbing impact and reducing the risk of tooth loss, they offer a crucial layer of defence. And ensure both short-term safety and long-term oral well-being.

Additionally, their role in shielding soft tissues and supporting orthodontic appliances like braces highlights their comprehensive utility in sports safety. Hence, integrating sports guards into athletic routines becomes an essential practice for athletes of all ages and skill levels. With their ability to mitigate risks and preserve dental health, sports guards truly stand as indispensable guardians of our smiles.

FAQs

Sports guards are typically worn on the maxillary arch, and they work by separating the mandibular and maxillary dentition. In this way, they protect the teeth from the surrounding soft tissue, redistribute shock, and stabilize the mandible during any unexpected hit or traumatic jaw closure.

Although all mouthguards serve the purpose of protecting your mouth, they are designed for different situations. While a sports mouthguard is essential for athletic activities, it’s not suitable for addressing teeth grinding.

In fact, using a sports mouthguard for grinding could potentially worsen tooth damage and contribute to sleep issues like obstructive sleep apnea. For bruxism, a specialized night guard is typically recommended.

Sports mouthguards and mouthguards vary in cost and material, but more importantly, they serve distinct purposes. Sports guards are meant to absorb impact during contact sports to prevent injuries, while mouthguards focus on protecting teeth and jaws from the discomfort of teeth grinding and TMJ issues.

Generally, it is recommended to replace your sports mouthguard at least once a year or sooner if it shows signs of wear and tear, such as tears, cracks, or becoming loose. For this, always make sure to check your sports guards before wearing them. This is because inspecting your mouthguard for any damage is crucial for ensuring optimal protection.