One often overlooked element of preventing sports-related injuries is reducing the risk of injuries to the mouth and teeth. According to the American Dental Association, wearing a mouth guard when playing sports can reduce the risk of an injury to the mouth or face by 82% to 93%. And yet, people often forget about mouth guards or don’t wear them as frequently as they should.
Make no mistake: Wearing a mouth guard is crucial to keeping yourself safe when playing sports. The team at Babylon Dental Care wants you to stay safe when playing sports, and you’ll find everything you need to know about mouth guards and how they protect you here.
How Mouth Guards Help Prevent Sports-Related Injuries
Here are some ways mouth guards help keep you safe when playing sports:
- Protect Teeth from Impact: Mouth guards cushion your teeth from blows and collisions, preventing chips, fractures, and knockouts. This is especially important in contact sports like football, hockey, and basketball.
- Prevent Lip and Cheek Injuries: A mouth guard acts as a barrier between your teeth and the soft tissues in your mouth. During hard impacts, it helps prevent cuts and bruises to your lips, cheeks, and tongue.
- Reduce Jaw Injuries: Mouth guards absorb and distribute the force of a blow, reducing the risk of jaw fractures or dislocations. They also help prevent injuries to the jaw joint, which can be painful and difficult to heal.
- Decrease Risk of Concussions: While not a guarantee, wearing a mouth guard can help reduce the severity of impacts to the jaw and head, potentially lowering the risk of concussions. By absorbing shock and spreading it across a larger area, mouth guards can mitigate some impact forces that might otherwise lead to brain injuries.
How to Choose a Mouth Guard and Make Sure It Fits Correctly
Choosing the right mouth guard and ensuring it fits properly can significantly reduce the risk of sports-related injuries and protect your smile. Here’s how to select the best mouth guard and ensure it fits correctly:
Types of Mouth Guards:
- Stock Mouth Guards: These are pre-made and ready to wear. They are inexpensive but often don’t fit well and can be uncomfortable.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards: Made from thermoplastic, these mouth guards get soft in hot water and can be adjusted to fit your mouth. They offer a better fit than stock mouth guards.
- Custom-Fitted Mouth Guards: These are made by a dentist specifically for your mouth. They provide the best fit and protection but are more expensive.
Ensuring a Proper Fit:
- Comfort: The mouth guard should feel comfortable and not bulky. Make sure you can breathe and speak easily while wearing it.
- Coverage: Your mouth guard should cover your teeth and gums entirely without extending too far back into your mouth, which could cause gagging.
- Stability: A well-fitted mouth guard stays in place securely without needing constant adjustments. It should fit snugly around your teeth without shifting.
Caring for Your Mouth Guard:
- Clean Regularly: Rinse your mouth guard before and after each use and brush it with a toothbrush and toothpaste regularly to keep it clean.
- Storage: Store your mouth guard in a ventilated case to allow it to dry completely. Avoid leaving it in hot water or direct sunlight, which can deform the material.
Try Babylon Dental Care’s Custom Sports Mouth Guards Today
The best way to protect your teeth and avoid sports-related injuries is by getting a custom mouth guard from Babylon Dental Care. Our custom mouth guards provide exceptional comfort and safety for both collision and non-contact sports. Contact us online or at (631) 983-6665 today or reach out online to schedule a contact.
