Table of Contents
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What Are Athletic Sports Mouth Guards?
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Why Do We Need Sports Mouth Guards
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Impact Absorption
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Facial Muscle Protection
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Saving Dental Roots
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Dental Fixtures Secured
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Protecting Tongue
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Types of Sports Mouth Guards
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Why Is A Custom Made Sports Mouth Guard Superior?
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Best Practices
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Why an At-Home Custom Mouth Guard Is The Ideal Choice?
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FAQs
In the world of competitive sports, while the consensus regarding sports mouth guards is that they are important, some still ignore their importance.
Whether you are a professional athlete involved in fast-paced sports or a casual sportsperson partaking in a weekly game, ensuring that your teeth are protected is a must. In this blog, you will find out what are sports mouth guards, why are they important, and which one is best for you.
What Are Athletic Sports Mouth Guards?
Sports mouth guards are orthodontic devices placed in the mouth during games or strenuous physical activities to safeguard the teeth from injuries in case of an impact, fall, or blow.
Depending on their design, these are shaped as soft dental trays that cover teeth, either the upper arch or lower, and sometimes both. Moreover, they are on the thicker side and come in a wide range of colors.
Which Sports Are Mouth Guards Recommended For?
They are recommended for high-impact, high-contact, collision, and combat sports and activities such as football, wrestling, rugby, hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, jiu-jitsu, acrobatic skating, etc.
Why Do We Need Sports Mouth Guards
They act as a cushion to disperse force from impacts falls, crashes, and blows during high-combat sports, thus protecting the teeth. For a better picture of why we need sports mouth guards, here’s how they can help protect your teeth:
Impact Absorption
Your teeth are not strong enough to withstand the aftershocks from falls and punches. To prevent losing or chipping your teeth, wearing the right mouth guard is essential. They absorb force from impacts and cushion teeth from damage.
Facial Muscle Protection
As a result of a fall or blow, the inner facial skin, especially the inside part of the lips, can rupture. Mouth guards will absorb and distribute the blow’s pressure, saving teeth from shock and damage.
Saving Dental Roots
Teeth are held in their place through the roots embedded in the jawbone, known as dental anchorage. It is a network of bones, nerves, and tissues. Its health determines the strength and longevity of your teeth, as they are at risk of getting loose or completely dislocated when in the presence of a fatal blow or force. Mouth guards shield teeth by protecting them against shocks, enabling you to play safe with your teeth intact.
Dental Fixtures Secured
If you have received dental enhancements such as veneers, braces, permanent retainers or crowns, etc. mouth guards will secure your invested time and money by shielding these dental appliances and saving you another trip to the dentist.
Protecting Tongue
A sports mouth guard will protect your tongue by acting as a barrier between the teeth, lips, and tongue, thus reducing the chance of accidental bites and cuts.
Types of Sports Mouth Guards
Ready to Wear
Also known as stock mouth guards, these are a type of easily available over-the-counter (OTC). They come in standard sizes and shapes. Unlike custom or boil-and-bite mouth guards, stock mouth guards are not adjustable and are designed to fit a fixed range of mouth sizes. This is why the price of OTC sports mouth guard is on the lower side.
Boil and Bite
These can be easily purchased at a drugstore or a pharmacy. They are boiled or microwaved to soften them. Once done, they are bitten into to create mouth guards that are shaped as per your teeth. Although they are molded according to your teeth, the shape is not as precise as custom-fit mouth guards, and hence the protection they offer is not as good either.
Custom-Fit
They are tailor-made according to an individual's dental impression. They can be bought from either an orthodontist/dentist or from at-home providers. Custom-fit mouth guards offer better protection than the other discussed options.
Why Is A Custom Made Sports Mouth Guard Superior?
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Better Fit
Custom mouth guards are made with precision to match the shape of your teeth. Unlike generic or boil-and-bite mouth guards, which are light on the pocket and can sometimes be ill-fitting and bulky, custom guards are designed to fit snugly over the teeth for maximum comfort and stability.
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Peace of Mind
A custom mouth guard ensures that all your teeth are shielded from impacts or grinding. This personalized protection significantly reduces the risk of damage to your teeth, gums , and dental work. Their tailored fit allows easy breathing and talking without any uncomfortable rubbing or need for frequent adjusting so you can give your best to your game without worry.
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Premium Built
Custom mouth guards, such as those offered by ALIGNERCO, are crafted from high-quality, durable materials that will last all season while offering better shock absorption and impact resistance.
Best Practices
To get the best out of your mouth guard and ensure that it lasts long, it is crucial to look after it right. Follow these best practices to take care of them right:
- When not in use, store your mouth guard in its case.
- Look for signs of wear and tear and replace them periodically.
- Always wear them on clean teeth, preferably after brushing.
- Rinse daily and clean them thoroughly with a dental tray cleaner or a denture cleaner.
Why an At-Home Custom Mouth Guard Is The Ideal Choice?
Custom mouth guards can be quite an expensive venture, especially when these are bought from a dentist. Luckily, you have the option to get the same quality of dental sports mouth guards delivered directly to your home for only a fraction of the price.
These at-home mouth guards are delivered directly to your house. Simply pick a reputable brand, such as ALIGNERCO, and place an order online. You will receive an impression kit at your address. Use the impression kit to take your dental impressions and send them back to the provider, who will then provide you with your custom-made mouth guards tailored exactly as per your teeth impressions.
Custom mouth guards fit comfortably, along the surface of teeth, complementing their pattern. They last long and offer superior protection during sports and strenuous activities. If you plan on taking this sports season with peace of mind, get yourself a custom mouth guard.
FAQs
1. Can I use a sports mouth guard for sleeping?
A sports mouth guard isn’t necessarily made for sleeping. If you’re looking for a mouth guard that is made specifically for sleeping, then a night guard would be a better choice for you.
2. How long does a custom mouth guard last?
It depends on the intensity of blows and impacts it has to withstand. While ALIGNERCO sports mouth guards are durable and made to withstand extensive blows, replacing your mouth guard if you notice signs of wear and tear is still advised.
3. Can I get a clear sports mouth guard?
While mouth guards are traditionally thought to be thick and bulky, these now also come in a clear and transparent form factor.
