When you think of sports equipment, a few things probably come to mind rather quickly: pads, a helmet, and cleats, to name a few. But there may be one extremely important piece of equipment that you’re forgetting: a mouth guard.
Mouth guards are essential for keeping teeth safe from the numerous injuries that you may sustain while playing sports. Here’s what you need to know.
The Importance of Mouth Guards for Sports Player
Injuries Your Teeth Can Sustain
If you fail to wear a mouth guard while playing sports, there are several injuries that can harm your teeth, such as:
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Fractures: This can include a chip, crack, or root fracture.
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Luxation: This occurs when the tooth is still in the socket but is no longer in the correct position.
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Avulsion: This occurs when the tooth is completely knocked out of your mouth, root and all.
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Cuts: Especially if you wear braces, your bracket may cut your gums, your lip, or the inside of your cheek.
If you do find yourself with a dental emergency after a game, it’s essential that you call your dentist or orthodontist immediately so they can address the problem and prevent future damage.
Types of Mouth Guards
In order to best protect your teeth, there are several types of mouthguards you may want to consider:
Stock mouth guards
These can be bought relatively cheaply and are ready to wear. However, they aren’t able to be adjusted to fit your teeth and can be a bit bulky.
Boil and Bite Mouth Guards
As the name implies, once purchased, you can boil these protectors in hot water to soften and allow you to bite into them to create a better fit.
Custom-Fit Mouth Guards
Your dentist will take a mold of your teeth and create a custom guard that perfectly fits your teeth, offering the best protection.