Mouthguards in Sports – What Do They Do?
Nearly all athletes are familiar with mouthguards in sports. The fast-paced and intense physical nature of many sports means that hard body collisions are frequent and expected. The face and head are high-risk targets in these situations and demand special protective gear because of their fragility. The easiest solution for head, face, and jaw protection is wearing a mouthguard.
Athletes put their health at risk and must wear mouthguards to participate safely. Failing to wear a mouthguard can result in shattered or chipped teeth, a damaged jaw, and the risk of injuring another participant.
What are Mouthguards
Mouthguards are synthetic protective devices that rest on the top row of teeth. You might be familiar with mouthguards if you wear one at night to prevent teeth grinding. Their use in sports, however, is quite different. Sports mouthguards are intended to protect the tongue, head, jaw, and cheeks by mitigating the shock from hard collisions.
Custom-made mouthguards in sports are made from molds taken from the player’s mouth. The mold is filled out with thermoplastic polymer to allow for a tough, durable, and comfortable fit. If you’re interested in getting a well-fitting sports mouthguard from a trusted dental specialist, getting your mold completed is the first step!