Your body is the most important asset when you are an athlete. Through rigorous training, following whatever diet plan they are on diligently, and by taking care of their bodies, they can perform better. However, one area where protection is overlooked, especially in sports, is in the teeth and mouth area. Most athletes barely realize the importance of wearing mouthguards when participating. We will discuss why every athlete needs a mouthguard and the benefits of getting one from a dental clinic in NW Calgary.
Mouthguard is a device that prevents injuries to teeth and gums by covering all or some parts of them. It is worn over the upper teeth with a soft plastic material molded into special dental shapes with artists working with dentists. As many dentists now provide custom-made ones, special mouthguards can swell out with appreciation, even gaining their special identification number.
Why Every Athlete Needs a Mouthguard For Sports?
1. Protection from Dental Injuries
Mouth injuries are common in sports, primarily contact sports like football, hockey, and basketball. According to the American Dental Association, athletes without mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries than athletes with mouthguards. Mouthguards cushion teeth and gums against potential impacts that could chip, break, or lead to the loss of a tooth.
2. Prevention of Jaw Injuries
Along with tooth protection, a mouthguard also helps limit jaw injuries. A severe impact to the face can cause the lower jaw to crash against the upper jaw, causing a jaw fracture or dislocation. The mouth guard is the first thing use as a shock absorber, easily reducing the force of the impact on the jaw thus preventing the occurrence of these injuries.
3. Protection from Concussions
Concussions are one of the scariest concerns of contact sports. A concussion happens when very sudden jerking or hit on the head causes the brain to move really fast back and forth. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, and even loss of consciousness. Studies show that mouthguards absorb, in some capacity, such force to reduce the chance of concussed athletes. They may also offer some additional stabilization on the head and neck.
4. Improved Performance
A mouthguard can also increase an athlete’s performance while playing. During sports, players are under intense tension in their body. It may yield the chance of impulsive tightening of the jaw muscles, allowing little breathing space hence affecting the performance of an athlete. The mouth guard widens the valve for breathing with relaxation to jaw muscles, allowing athletes to perform to their greatest capabilities.
5. Protection against Soft Tissue Injuries
In addition to the protection of your teeth and jaw, a mouthguard prevents soft tissue injuries, such as cuts, bruises, and lacerations to the lips, cheeks, and tongue. Such injuries occur when an athlete’s teeth hit each other during a fall or collision. A mouthguard prevents such injuries by acting as a barrier between the upper and lower teeth.
6. Cost-Effective Solution
Getting a custom-made mouthguard near you might seem like an added expense, but it is cost-effective in the long run. Dental injuries are expensive to treat, and the cost of replacing a missing tooth can run into thousands of dollars. You save yourself costly dental procedures if you invest in a mouthguard now.
7. Customizable for Individual Needs
Another important benefit of having a mouthguard from a dentist is that it can be personalized according to a person’s requirements. A dentist will take impressions of your teeth and make a mouthguard to perfectly fit over them. In this way, maximum protection and comfort can be ensured while wearing the mouthguard.
8. Better Hygiene
Over-the-counter mouthguards can be too big or too small, making it hard to talk or breathe while wearing them. This often leads to athletes taking off their mouthguards during the game, increasing the chances of dental injuries. Custom-made mouthguards from a dentist are fitted snugly over the teeth, which makes it easy to talk and breathe with the mouthguard on.
9. Durability
The mouthguard from a dentist is made of better quality materials that are stronger than over-the-counter ones. They are built to last, withstanding the rigors of sports, and can last for many seasons with proper care. Therefore, they prove to be a cost-effective solution in the long run.
10. Mouthguards for All Sports
While mouthguards are commonly associated with contact sports, they are beneficial for all types of sports. Even non-contact sports like gymnastics, skateboarding, and skiing can result in dental injuries due to falls or collisions. Wearing a mouthguard can provide protection in any sport where there is a risk of impact to the face.
Protect Your Smile, Play with Confidence
An athlete must make use of a mouthguard for protection against dental injuries, jaw injuries, concussions, and soft-tissue injuries. Custom-made mouthguards, made by dentists in NW Calgary, offer many advantages such as enhanced performance, better hygiene, durability, and individuals’ needs- based customization.
A mouthguard bought now will save you from expensive dental procedures and will let you practice your game without thinking about your teeth and mouth. Visit Kensington Dental Choice today to get your custom-made mouthguard! Contact us for an appointment to protect your smile while you enjoy your favorite activities.
