Anyone who has ever been an athlete in East Charlotte knows that competition and performance are a way of life! Keeping your body safe — whether on the football field, basketball court, or in your martial art of choice — is key. However, one important aspect recommended by an East Charlotte general dentist is that an athlete should consider protecting his teeth and mouth. Enter mouthguards. We will take a look at why mouthguards are so important for athletes in East Charlotte, what types of injuries they can help to prevent, and how they allow athletes to perform better.
What are Mouthguards?
Mouthguards or mouth protectors are protect-over-your-teeth devices used in sports. They are usually made of a flexible, form-fitting, mouth guard material that absorbs the impact of blows to the face, preventing broken teeth, jaw injuries, and cuts to the lips, tongue, and other soft tissues.
Types of Mouthguards
There are several kinds of mouthguards accessible with some providing varying degrees of protection as well as convenience:
Stock Mouthguards:
These are also pre-formed and ready to use. While they are the most affordable option, they often fit poorly and can be bulky, making breathing and talking difficult.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards:
Crafted from a thermoplastic material, these mouthguards are heated in hot water until soft and then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth using pressure created from the fingers and tongue. They provide a closer fit compared to stock mouthguards and are usually the choice of an athlete.
Personal mouthguards:
These are customized mouthguards. They are constructed by a dentist or dental lab. They offer the best-suited comfort and protection by molding directly to your teeth and mouth shape.
Advantages of Using Mouthguards
Not only does wearing a mouth guard protect your teeth, but it can also yield other benefits. Those are just a few reasons why every athlete in East Charlotte should think about it.
Mouthguard Protects your teeth:
This is probably the first role that comes to your mind when you think about mouthguards. It reduces the impact of any blows that can lead to damage to soft tissues, broken teeth, root harm, or tooth loss. When you compare the cost of dental work and the discomfort, a mouthguard is a small price to pay for the benefits it has to offer.
Reduces Risk of Jaw Injuries:
A well-fitted mouthguard can absorb impact forces and spread them out, lessening the chance of jaw fractures as well as dislocations. It is also useful in the reduction of the chance of the injury of the temporomandibular joint which attaches the jaw to the skull.
Concussion Protection:
Though mouthguards are not shown to prevent concussions on their own, they can help cushion impacts to the jaw, which could reduce the risk of concussions. They absorb some of the shock and help to protect the brain from traumatic injury.
Boosts Performance:
An athlete who knows subconsciously that they are protected is likely to perform better. It sharpens focus – knowing that your mouth and teeth are safely protected means you can concentrate 100 percent on the game. The other benefit of custom-fitted mouthguards is they are comfortable in terms of fitting and they do not obstruct breathing or talking.
Adhering to Sports Regulations:
Some sports organizations and schools in East Charlotte necessitate their athletes to wear mouthguards during training and games. By wearing a dental mouthguard and following these regulations, you help prevent the penalties, such as the forfeiting of the match.
A quality mouthpiece is a small price to pay for the years of success that lie ahead for young athletes here in East Charlotte. The advantages of wearing a mouthguard are evident from avoiding dental and soft tissue injuries to diminishing the possibility of concussions. Whether you are a professional athlete or more of a casual player, your oral health must come first when it comes to sports, and a mouthguard can help to keep you on the right path, both for present and future oral health. Also, it is important to pick a good-fitting mouthguard and keep it well-maintained, so be sure to see a dentist to get the best one for your teeth.
