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Mouthguards in Sports

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An active lifestyle is considered to be a staple for health and wellness among Canadians, and sports play a very large role. Of course, participation in any sport comes with the risk of injury, but the risk of orofacial injuries (damage to the mouth or face) may not necessarily be top of mind when considering protection.

Mouthguards are a necessary addition to the equipment involved in a sport that involves minor or major contact where collision or falls can occur. They’re removable devices that sit in the maxillary arch (the upper part of the mouth) and cover the upper teeth. The mouthguard is designed to distribute the blow of an impact evenly throughout the mouth and oral structures to protect teeth, gums, lips, tongue, jaw, and face.

There are 3 types of mouthguards available. Regardless of what type you choose, the mouthguard needs to be easy to clean, comfortable, and well fitted.

• Custom-Made: Your dentist builds and custom fits the mouthguard to your mouth. This is a more expensive option as the mouthguard is specifically made for your comfort and fit.
• Boil and Bite: Available at most sporting goods stores or drugstores, these mouthguards are a combination of pre-made and custom-made. The existing guard is softened in boiled water and then inserted into your mouth and allowed to set in order to align to your teeth and gums as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Pre-Made: These are the most inexpensive option and come ready to wear. They are pre-formed, and therefore often don’t fit as well as the custom-made or boil and bite varieties. These mouthguards can be fairly bulky and may make breathing or talking difficult.

Cleaning and caring for your mouthguard will ensure it continues to work properly and to prevent contamination or disease. Between games, make sure to keep your guard clean and dry. Rinse before and after each use or brush with toothpaste. Make sure to regularly clean the mouthguard in cool, soapy water and rinse it thoroughly. Be sure to never leave the mouthguard in hot water or the sun to ensure it doesn’t lose its shape. Bring your mouthguard with you to your dental checkups so that your dentist can evaluate its level of wear and whether it needs to be replaced. They may also be able to give it a thorough cleaning, just like they do with your teeth! For transportation and storage, use a sturdy container with vents. The vents will allow the guard to dry and prevent bacteria growth.

For more information and to discuss which mouthguard is right for you, contact the dentists at Accent Dental today.

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