Mouthguards are widely known for protecting teeth from grinding, particularly for individuals with bruxism. Dentists often recommend them to prevent tooth damage and wear.
However, their benefits extend beyond bruxism. These guards play a crucial role in sports, offering comprehensive protection not only for the teeth but also for the jaw and soft tissues of the mouth. This blog explores the advantages of wearing dental shields and why they are essential for athletes and individuals seeking comprehensive oral protection, providing a sense of reassurance.
The Importance Of Mouth Shields In High-Impact Sports
High-impact sports like football, basketball, hockey, and boxing pose significant risks to the face and jaw. Here’s how mouthguards play an essential role in these sports-
It helps in absorbing the Impact
Mouthguards are designed to absorb the force of blows and falls. They spread the Impact across the broader mouth area, reducing the chance of knocked-out and chipped teeth.
Protecting the Soft Tissues
These oral shields work as a barrier between the teeth and soft tissues, preventing you from biting the tongue, cheeks, and lips during accidents.
Reducing Jaw Injuries
Dental guards help distribute the force evenly in the mouth, reducing the risk of jaw fractures and serious injuries.
Concussion Prevention
Some studies suggest that these protective shields reduce the severity of concussions by acting as cushions, reducing the Impact of shocks on the jaw and skull.
Types Of Oral Guards Used?
Not all guards provide the same level of protection. Three main types are available: stock varieties that are pre-formed and ready for use, boil-and-bite, and custom mouthguards. The dentist in Henderson, NV, will help you to choose the best type, depending on your needs, providing a sense of professional support. Though the first two options provide some protection, the custom ones are effective as they perfectly fit in your mind.
How Dental Guards Protect Long-Term Oral Damage?
While short-term injuries like cut lips and chipped teeth are visible instantly, the long-term Impact of sports injuries can be severe.
Preventing Tooth Loss
One of the most devastating impacts of sports injuries is tooth loss. While emergency dentistry can preserve it, the tooth becomes weak and slowly gets damaged. A well-fitted mouthguard reduces the damage by cushioning the pressure and preventing teeth from getting knocked out.
Avoid Expensive Dental Treatments In The Future
A minor tooth fracture might not seem like a big deal, but over time, it worsens, leading to the need for crowns, dentures, and implants. Wearing a sports mouthguard is an effective way to prevent costly interventions in the future, providing a sense of financial security.
Reducing the Risk Of Jaw Misalignment
A severe blow to the mouth or jaw region can misalign the bite, causing TMJ issues. These problems can further lead to chronic headaches, difficulty in chewing, and the need for complicated orthodontics.
The athletes can protect their jaws and avoid complications by wearing a custom guard.
Sports Mouth Guard For Athletes- Why Are They So Crucial?
Dentists recommend mouthguards for two main reasons. First, they are helpful for those dealing with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), which includes grinding teeth while sleeping. Second, these shields are crucial in protecting teeth during sports activities. It’s important to understand that these oral guards are designed differently based on their intended use.
For athletic endeavors, oral guards are made from strong dental plastic specifically customized to fit your teeth. This personalization ensures comfort and allows for a proper bite position while participating in sports. They protect your teeth from potential impacts to the face and help prevent accidental tongue biting.
Dr. Brian Sanford at Green Valley Smile Care works hard to prevent sports dental injuries in patients. If you want a mouth guard made for sports, schedule an appointment with our Henderson dentist now. During your visit, we will take impressions of your teeth to create a custom-fit mouthguard that provides the best protection and comfort.
