Should I wear a Mouthguard When Playing Sports?

Mouthguards act as a kind of “crash helmet” for your teeth and jaws by keeping them from completely closing. This may lower the risk of concussion and injuries to the mouth and jaw. Sports like rugby, football, and hockey are “no brainers” since hard contact is part of the sport. Dental trauma is often caused by contact sports when a collision might happen accidentally.

How a Mouthguard Works

An athletic mouthguard is placed over the upper teeth during contact sports. A mouthguard forms an impact-resistant barrier between the teeth. Mouthguards should be tear-resistant and able to withstand concentrated force. The mouthguard should not restrict the wearer’s ability to talk or breathe.

The Use of Mouthguards Can Prevent Tooth Displacement

Wearing a sports mouthguard may protect teeth by spreading the impact of a hard blow across your mouth. An extruded or partly dislodged tooth might be easier to treat than fractured or missing tooth. If this happens, place a cold compress on affected area. Then take them as quickly as possible to the dentist!

Mouthguards Can Prevent Teeth from Being Knocked Out

Nobody likes to have a tooth knocked out. However, if you act immediately, it’s possible to save your tooth. The best chance of saving a tooth is when it is put back in its socket within five to ten minutes. Prompt intervention may also avoid irreparable harm.

Mouthguards Can Help Prevent Soft Tissue Damage

Direct trauma to the mouth may sometimes result in cuts, bruises, or grazes to the cheeks, lips, and gums. Dental mouthguards may lessen soft tissue damage by helping to hide the teeth’s sharp edges.

Jaw Fractures May be Prevented Using Mouthguards.

By helping to absorb and disperse the impact, mouth protection functions as cushioning for your teeth, head, and jaw. Without it, you run the risk of suffering a serious mouth or jaw injury. With jaw fractures, there aren’t really any fast fixes. It comes down to persistently wearing a mouthguard. Because, as the adage goes, prevention is always preferable than treatment!

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