Blog Post

Which Sports Require Mouthguards?

Manor Road Dental Practice Ltd • Apr 05, 2022
Women flossing her teeth

 

Whether you play for your local rugby team on a Saturday, or your child enjoys martial arts or boxing, buying an appropriately fitted mouthguard can ensure safety, and protect the long-term dental health of a participant. Risks associated with sport can result in a number of dangers to your teeth, meaning that the correct equipment can see you saving money on teeth straightening and other costly treatments, avoiding the stress and pain of dental trauma. Manor Road Dental are your local dentists, experienced at offering various treatment options including fillings for cavities, teeth whitening and solutions for sporting injuries.

 

Continue reading to find out more about the sports and activities which require a mouthguard for safety, and how your local dental practice can help.

 

The Benefits Of A Mouthguard

 

There are plenty of benefits provided by a mouthguard. worn over your upper teeth, the guard constitutes a protective layer situated between your teeth and the potential point of impact during a contact sport or event. This means that teeth won’t be knocked out or choked on if your mouth is abruptly hit or an accident occurs involving force to them. A mouthguard should be durable enough to withstand force, with a wearer able to breathe and talk easily while wearing it. Absorbing shock and reducing the extent of an injury, they are known to prevent concussions and harm to the jaw, as well as trauma to the neckline and brain.

 

Safety First

 

Mouthguards are not only useful for contact sports as you may imagine, but can also be practical for many other activities including:

 


 

● Basketball

 

● Athletics

 

● Gymnastics

 

● Cricket

 

● Water Sports

 


 

With risks of a firm object making contact with the jaw of a participant, sports such as basketball and cricket can benefit from the player wearing protective mouthguards, while gymnastics, athletics and various water sports may see the participant involved in accidents which involve impact to the teeth.

 

Custom-Fitted For You

 

Though there are mouthguard kits available which can be fitted at home, these can be lacking in quality, resulting in the mouthguard fitting badly, becoming uncomfortable or even falling out during sport participation, becoming a choking risk. It is recommended for your mouthguard to be made by a professional who can take accurate impressions of your mouth and make observations of how the jaws bite together, resulting in a mouthguard that comfortably fits your teeth.


 

Your adult teeth should last you a lifetime, so getting them checked every six months by a local dentist should be a priority. Following a good dental health routine is advisable, while check-ups with a reliable dental practice can be an excellent pre-emptive measure against potential problems, allowing you to identify concerns at an early stage. Quick identification of dental problems can save you money on dental bills as well as prevent you from experiencing the pains of a medical issue related to your oral health. Contact us today with any queries you may have about dental services, such as teeth straightening and whitening.

 

Box of vegetables
By Manor Road Dental Practice Ltd 01 Jun, 2022
Ageing affects everyone over time, but the effects on your face can be reduced and held back. Here are some tips for keeping your face fresh and youthful.
Perfect white teeth
By Manor Road Dental Practice Ltd 01 Jun, 2022
Brushing your teeth alone isn't the best way to better your oral hygiene. Here are some of the ways to improve your oral hygiene beyond brushing.
Lady receiving acupuncture treatment
By Manor Road Dental Practice Ltd 01 Jun, 2022
Acupuncture is an alternative medicine that has grown popular in the worlds of dentistry and pain relief. Read on to find out more about how it can help.
Female vaping
By Manor Road Dental Practice Ltd 27 Apr, 2022
Vaping is a relatively new phenomenon that has increased in popularity significantly in the past decade. Many use it as a way to wean off cigarettes but some people are becoming addicted to e-cigarettes at a young age. Smoking is widely recognised as a very unhealthy habit, causing gum disease, tooth loss, staining and even oral cancer, whereas vaping is considered a healthier alternative. However, how much damage is being done by vaping? Read on to learn more. Can vaping cause gum disease? While the effects of vaping are not yet known for certain, here is what we do know about smoking nicotine. - Nicotine causes vasoconstriction which means that your gum has a poor blood supply. Ultimately, this can make your gums more prone to infection and lead to gum recession. - Smoking will also dry out your mouth which means your mouth loses its first line of defence against bacteria. Gum disease is caused by bacteria getting under your gum line which is more likely if you have lower levels of saliva. - Generally, your immune system is lowered if you are a smoker which means infectious diseases such as gum disease are more likely to occur. What ingredients should you avoid? When choosing an e-cigarette fluid, there are some ingredients that have known negative side effects. These include: - Nicotine - Propylene glycol - Menthol It’s also worth noting that flavoured e-liquids can cause even more inflammation of your gums than non-flavoured e-liquids.  How can you minimise the side effects of vaping? There are ways to look after your teeth that can help reduce the impact of vaping on your teeth. These include: - Limiting nicotine intake. Try to pick low-nicotine or nicotine-free juices as nicotine will affect your teeth and gums over time. - Drink water every time you vape. This will help you avoid dry mouth and rehydrate you after vaping. - Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing removes plaque to help prevent cavities and promote overall gum health. - Floss before bed. Similarly to brushing, flossing helps remove plaque and promotes gum health. - Visit your local dentist often. Your dentist can help ensure your teeth are still in good condition and let you know when you need any work done. You can also get teeth whitening treatments to get rid of any stains. Need dental treatment or dental coverage from your local dentist? Manor Road Dental is located in Swansea and offers a range of dental services to help you stay on top of your dental health. If you notice any issues with your mouth or dental hygiene, get in touch with us today to book an appointment.
Person having acupuncture
By Manor Road Dental Practice Ltd 27 Apr, 2022
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine that has helped many people live healthier lives. Whether you experience TMJ or anxiety, here’s how it can help.
Poor teeth
By Manor Road Dental Practice Ltd 27 Apr, 2022
Although dental care is important to ensure our oral health is as good as it can be, there are a few myths surrounding it that puts people off. Find out more.
Couple having a drink
By Manor Road Dental Practice Ltd 05 Apr, 2022
Not only do healthy teeth give you a gorgeous smile, but maintaining dental hygiene can prevent issues. Discover the effects of alcohol on your teeth.
Mouthguard
By Manor Road Dental Practice Ltd 05 Apr, 2022
Whether you play for your local rugby team, or your child enjoys martial arts or boxing, continue reading to discover sports which require mouthguards.
By Manor Road Dental Practice Ltd 01 Mar, 2022
Having a consistent and comprehensive dental care routine is something that cannot be underestimated. Here we outline what makes a good routine.
By Manor Road Dental Practice Ltd 23 Feb, 2022
What really classes as a dental emergency? It might be nothing to worry about but in some cases it can be drastic. Here is how to tell.
Show More
Share by: