With school starting back up, and two-a-day football practices going on all over the country, we thought a little mouthguard knowledge was worth sharing. Nowadays mouthguards are present in many other sports aside from the primary contact & collision sports. Mouthguards have evolved from DIY boil and bite, to cherished athletic accessories capable of improving 40yd dash times. But we’re not going to touch that one here – just not enough info to make that determination yet. But we will surely keep you posted. For now, we’ll just drop some mouthguard science.
Why should you wear a mouthguard? While they’re not mandatory equipment in all sports, their value is indisputable. Mouthguards cushion blows to the face and neck. They’re especially important for athletes playing contact sports, but other athletes face no shortage of hazards: balls, sticks, elbows, goalposts, trees – heck, even the ground could do quite a number on your teeth!
A mouthguard should be part of every athlete’s gear, no matter the sport. Parents should make sure their children are protected. Even adults and weekend athletes need to protect their smiles and preserve their health.
Do: Wear a mouthguard at all times when playing sports. Wear a mouthguard custom-fitted by your dentist, especially if you wear bridges or braces.
Don’t: Wear removable appliances like retainers when playing sports.
There are two types of mouthguards:
Custom-made: Designed by a dentist and made on a cast of your teeth. These cause very little interference with speaking or breathing. They provide the best protection and fit over braces and fixed bridges. They also cost more.
Ready-made: Purchased at most sporting goods stores. They are the least expensive, the least effective, and least comfortable. They also tend to make you look a little silly and talk like a buffoon.
If you would like to “play it safe!” by wearing a comfortable mouthguard to protect your teeth, or if you have any questions about dental health for athletes, please call our office or visit our website, or post your question here.
In a recent survey (not ours!), Almost all dentists surveyed (nine out of ten) say mouthguards can improve athletic performance.
The claim is made by the inventor of the Pure Power Mouthguard (PPM), a neuromuscular device designed to improve breathing (and therefore performance) by allowing the airways to relax.
“It is the best thing to happen to the dentistry and the public since tooth bonding agents!” raved one dentist. “This will forever change the face of sports, not to mention the dental world.”
“Not only can it make athletic performance better, but it offers relief for TMJ symptoms, i.e., headaches, neck tension, etc,” said another dentist.
Remember, we’re not here to take sides or further any debate. If you have any questions be sure to call or email the office.
For more info on not only improving athletic performance, visit their website – and do some research. Here are 2 of the industry leaders:
http://www.makkaradvantage.com/
http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/accessories
–Source: Internet Dental Alliance, Inc.
