Mouthguards are used by both children and adults as they are an important piece of protective gear for common injuries, especially in sport. If you’ve joined a new sports team or your child requires one for school, you may be wondering what a mouthguard actually does.
In this blog, we explain all you need to know about mouthguards.
Mouthguards are plastic guards that fit around your teeth and gums to protect your entire mouth from injury. They are also sometimes given to those who grind their teeth, as the mouthguard creates a barrier between the top and bottom set to prevent further damage.
Mouthguards are custom-made so they fit your mouth exactly. The dentists will make an impression of your teeth and use this as a model to mould your guard.
What are the benefits of mouthguards?
Mouthguards
are mandatory in many collision sports such as boxing, rugby and hockey. Since
these activities put players at risk of injury, either caused by the equipment
used or other players, mouthguards are designed to cushion the blow and prevent
injuries. Without a mouthguard you could experience any of the following
issues:
●Broken or chipped teeth
●Broken jaw
●Root damage
●Fractured jaws
●Concussion
●Damage to your cheeks or lips
By wearing a mouthguard the impact of these injuries or collisions is majorly reduced. So you can feel confident when you’re playing your favourite sport.
How do you look after your mouthguard?
Anything that’s used in your mouth such as a mouthguard or retainer needs to be kept hygienic. You can look after your mouthguard by:
●Keeping it in a hard, ventilated case to prevent damage and stop bacteria from growing
●Keeping your mouthguard away from direct sunlight to prevent the plastic from melting or warping
●Brushing or soaking the mouthguard regularly