Sports are good for you. But they can hurt your teeth and jaw. Every year, many athletes lose or break their teeth because they don’t wear protection. A mouth guard is simple gear that keeps your teeth, lips, gums, and jaw safe during sports. If you play contact sports, you should know about mouth guards in Leduc and how they protect you.
Many athletes think mouth guards are hard to wear or not needed. This is wrong. New mouth guards are easy to use and very helpful. They stop serious injuries that cost lots of money to fix. Protecting your teeth now saves you pain and money later.
What Does a Mouth Guard Do?
A mouth guard is a piece of protection that covers your teeth and gums. Think of it like a helmet for your mouth. When you get hit in the face during sports, the mouth guard takes the hit. The guard spreads the force so your teeth don’t take all of it.
Your teeth are hard but can break easily. A sudden hit can crack or break them. Your jaw can get hurt too. A mouth guard keeps your teeth and jaw in place when you get hit. It stops your teeth from cutting your lips and cheeks. It keeps your jaw from moving in a bad way.
What Sports Need Mouth Guards?
Contact sports are the main ones where you need a mouth guard. These include:
- Football
- Hockey
- Boxing
- Martial arts
- Rugby
- Lacrosse
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Softball
- Soccer
- Skateboarding
- Snowboarding
- Volleyball
Even sports that aren’t full contact can be unsafe. An elbow or accidental bump can happen in any sport. If there’s any chance of getting hit in the mouth, wear a mouth guard.
Three Types of Mouth Guards
There are three main types of mouth guards near you. Each one gives different amounts of protection.
Stock Mouth Guards
Stock guards are ready-made. They fit most people okay. They’re cheap and easy to find at stores. But they don’t fit perfectly. This means they don’t protect as well. They can feel uncomfortable. They can make talking hard.
Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards
These start hard but get soft when you heat them. You boil them in water, then bite into them while they’re warm. This makes them fit your teeth. They fit better than stock guards. Many people like them. They cost more than stock ones but less than custom ones.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Your dentist near you can make a mouth guard just for you. Your dentist takes a mould of your teeth. Then they make a guard that fits perfectly. Custom guards protect the best. They feel the most comfortable because they fit exactly right. They cost more, but they last longer and work better.
Do Mouth Guards Really Work?
Yes, they work very well. Studies show that mouth guards stop tooth injuries up to 60 percent of the time. They also protect your jaw from breaking. They stop you from getting cut lips and tongues.
Can a mouth guard really prevent a concussion? This is a good question. Mouth guards can help with some head injuries, but they don’t always stop concussions. Still, protecting your teeth and jaw is very important. Your jaw and head are connected, so protecting your jaw helps your whole head.
Do I need a mouth guard if I only play a little bit of contact sports occasionally? Absolutely, you do. All athletes, even the occasional ones, can be hurt. Just one blow is enough to knock out a tooth or hurt your jaw. Even casual players need the protection offered by mouth guards, just like competitive athletes.
How to Take Care of Your Mouth Guard
Clean your mouth guard after every use. Rinse it with cool water. Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean it. Store it in a cool, dry place. Don’t leave it in the sun or in a hot car. Get a new one if it gets damaged or doesn’t fit well.
Keep Your Smile Safe While You Play Sports at Trinity Family Dental Leduc
Your teeth are yours for life. Protect them now. A mouth guard is one of the easiest ways to stop tooth injuries. Whether you play football, hockey, basketball, or any other sport, a mouth guard keeps your smile safe.
At Trinity Family Dental Leduc, we care about your whole family’s dental health, including keeping your teeth safe during sports. We can make custom mouth guards that fit just right and feel good to wear. Our dentist in Leduc will make sure your guard gives you the best protection for your sport. We’ll show you how to take care of your guard so it lasts a long time. Call us today to set up an appointment and get your custom mouth guard made.
FAQ’s
Can I wear a mouth guard with braces?
Yes, but you need a special mouth guard made for braces. Talk to your dentist about what works with your braces.
How long does a mouth guard last?
A custom mouth guard usually lasts one to three years, depending on how much you use it and how well you take care of it.
Can I sleep wearing my mouth guard?
No, mouth guards are only for sports. Don’t sleep with it because it can hurt your teeth and jaw.
Does a mouth guard slow down how well I play?
New mouth guards are thin and easy to wear. Most athletes get used to them quickly and play just as well.
