Can A Sports Mouthguard Protect Against Concussions?
Marielaina Perrone DDS is a family, implant, and cosmetic dentist serving Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Henderson, NV. Dental services include dental implants, teeth whitening, orthodontics, Botox, and treatment of periodontal disease. "We believe in a comprehensive approach to restorative and cosmetic dentistry, that fully... more
A custom mouthguard for sports is needed by every child in youth sports as it can prevent concussions and dental injuries. While most parents provide their child with a helmet before going onto the field, a mouthguard for sports is just as important for a child's overall safety and well-being while playing sports. In physical and contact sports, safety is taken seriously in youth and adult sports organizations. This includes sports we may not think need as much extra equipment for protection. These sports may include, volleyball, soccer, gymnastics, skateboarding, and scooter riders. Most people don't know that these sports are just as dangerous to our teeth and oral health as tackle football. The main reason you need a mouthguard for sports is not only about the physical contact, but the fact that there is any contact at all.
Custom Mouthguard For Sports
A custom mouthguard for sports can prevent injury to the teeth or mouth of the user. Studies have shown that athletes have a 30-60% chance of a potential facial injury during their career. A broken or fractured tooth cannot heal like a bone in the arm or leg. Any injury to the mouth or oral tissue will probably include dental appointments and possible dental surgeries, which could have a lifetime cost of about $20,000. This could be for just a single tooth. It is approximated that about 5 million teeth are knocked out every year due to sports injuries.
What Does A Mouthguard For Sports Do?
- A mouthguard for sports can prevent bruising and cuts upon impact by an opponent or a ball.
- A mouthguard for sports can prevent dislocated teeth or tooth fractures by protecting the teeth against the blow.
- Provides protection between opposing teeth. A mouthguard for sports will separate your upper and lower teeth with a cushioned layer keeping them away from each other.
- The lower jaw (mandible) is protected so the impact does not fracture, damage the bone, or lead to issues with the Temperomandibular Joint (TMJ).
- A mouthguard for sports can reduce injury to the brain. Without a mouthguard for sports, the blunt force that impacts the mouth can cause the jaws to violently clash together which can result in a concussion. This interaction is still being extensively studied. Although the belief is that mouthguards for sports can help limit concussion type events.
- Mouthguards for sports are used to prevent against neck injuries.
- A mouthguard will give an athlete the extra confidence to play his or her best.
Why Do You Need A Custom Mouthguard For Sports?
Dentistry is uniquely tailored to each individual. A person's teeth and mouth shape differ for everyone. A standard “boil and bite” sports mouthguard will not give the protection necessary. For many, they do not fit correctly and leave you and your loved ones at risk for serious injury. A properly fitted mouthguard will reduce injuries to the teeth and jaws, and possibly reduce the risk of concussions by absorbing some of the energy from the collision before it reaches the brain.
Sports injuries, like concussions, can cause damage that lasts a lifetime. When it comes to a possible concussion, losing a tooth or teeth might seem a lot less worrisome. While no mouthguard will guard against all concussions, studies have found a positive effect when an athlete is wearing a properly fitted mouthguard for sports. A properly fitted custom mouthguard for sports will decrease the risk for injury and possibly the severity of injury. Another benefit is that a custom mouthguard for sports is uniquely designed for maximum oxygen flow. The more oxygen an athlete has, the more enhanced their performance, endurance, and communication can be.
A Custom Mouthguard For Sports
The American Dental Association (ADA) made a recommended list of which sports should wear an athletic mouthguard. The American Dental Association (ADA) and the Academy for Sports Dentistry (ASD) recommends a professionally made, properly fitted custom athletic mouthguard for all contact sports. These sports include the following:
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Field hockey
- Football
- Gymnastics
- Ice hockey (and roller hockey)
- Lacrosse
- Racquetball
- Rugby
- Skateboarding and Scooters
- Skiing
- Soccer
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
How Is A Custom Mouthguard For Sports Made?
A custom mouthguard for sports is made to cover the upper teeth and have sufficient thickness to cushion the jaws. It should also provide protection to the front teeth. The main priority is that it stays in place comfortably. Being comfortable is important as well, since no one wants to wear an uncomfortable athletic mouthguard. Proper oral and dental protection begins with a minimum of 4 mm of shock absorbing mouthguard material in the impact zones. These impact zones include the front of the teeth and under the molars. The protection of the frontal impact zone is similarly necessary. The mouthguard cannot be too bulky as that would interfere with speaking and normal breathing.
Your dentist will start the process of a custom mouthguard for sports by taking a dental impression of your teeth. This is important for those who wear orthodontic braces. The mouthguard can fit over braces easily. Once the orthodontic braces are removed, a new athletic mouthguard will need to be created by your dentist. Athletic mouthguards for children will need to be replaced as they grow to ensure proper fit and protection. Even adults may have to change their mouthguards regularly so that they have continued maximum protection. The mouthguard material can lose its absorptive properties over a period of time and after continuous use, so replacing the mouthguard makes sense to ensure proper protection. A mouthguard for sports is an essential aspect of athletic gear that should be part of your standard equipment from a young age.
How Long Should A Mouthguard For Sports Last?
A mouthguard for sports should be replaced after every season. This can be due to many factors, the growth of your child, the material wearing out, and other changes over time.
A Mouthguard For Sports
An injury to the face can and should be prevented. Every time you step onto the field or the ice, you are susceptible to potential injury. No matter what sport you choose, you could be injured accidentally or intentionally. Why not protect yourself while still enjoying the sport and competition you love. Ask your dentist today about how a custom mouthguard for sports can elevate your confidence and sports safety!
