A high contact sport without full headgear such as a helmet and a mouthguard is not something most people can imagine. Every player, whether in the little league or the pros, prioritizes safety. However, what about those who participate in less intense sports? Gymnasts, skateboarders, basketball and volleyball players all have the same chance of getting mouth injuries as someone who plays football.
In addition to protecting teeth from injury, mouthguards also protect the jaw. Each person has a different mouth and teeth shape, so using a one-size-fits-all mouthguard isn’t going to be of much use. Poorly fitted mouthguards can cause even more damage when hit with intense force. Custom mouthguards fit perfectly to prevent both dental and jaw injuries, as well as concussions, pulp injuries, and tooth loss. In order to prevent damage to your teeth, a mouth guard absorbs shock vibrations causing stress.
Injuries suffered in sports can cause long-lasting damage. The issue goes beyond tooth loss alone. Various jaw and neck injuries can limit an athlete’s ability to play sports ever again. This does not only apply to professional sports. High school and college football players are just as likely to sustain facial injuries as NFL players. Injuries, like concussions and broken jaws, during these years, can drastically alter a person’s future. There is an estimated 50 per cent chance that an athlete will suffer an oral injury during their career. With a properly fitted mouthguard, injuries are less likely to occur and are also less severe.
A custom made mouthguard is highly recommended for players who play contact games such as soccer, basketball, ice hockey, boxing, skiing, rugby, field hockey, football, gymnastics, lacrosse, racquetball, skateboarding, volleyball, wrestling, etc. In order to tailor a mouthguard to your needs, your dentist will take a mould of your teeth and mouth. In the case of braces or a fixed bridge, your dentist will mould the mouthpiece to fit around them precisely. After your braces are removed, your dentist will need to take a new mould and make you a new mouthguard. Children’s mouthguards will need to be replaced frequently as they grow. Even adults should regularly replace their mouthguards to ensure maximum protection. After prolonged use, the mouthguard can become weak, so replacing it is necessary to ensure proper protection. It is essential to wear a mouthguard from an early age when it comes to protecting your mouth during contact sports.
You should not leave oral injuries to chance. While you could play over 100 games without incident, one wrong hit is all it takes to cause permanent injury. If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, contact Dr. Salim Kapadia Dental Centre, before your next game if you need help getting the best custom-fit mouthguard for you or your child!