Dental injuries are a common problem among athletes, especially those participating in contact sports like football, basketball, and hockey. These injuries range from simple cuts and bruises to more severe ones like knocked-out teeth, broken jaws, and concussions. That’s why athletes wear mouthguards to protect their teeth and gums from impact.
Mouthguards are an essential piece of protective equipment for athletes. Typically, there are two main types of mouthguards available: stock and custom mouthguards. While stock mouthguards are readily available at sporting goods stores, they do not provide the same level of protection as custom mouthguards.
However, custom mouthguards fit an athlete’s teeth and gums, providing better protection and comfort than stock mouthguards.
Better Protection
Custom mouthguards fit an athlete’s teeth and gums perfectly, providing better protection than stock mouthguards. This means that the mouthguard will absorb and distribute the impact of a blow evenly, reducing the risk of dental injuries. Custom mouthguards are also thicker and more durable than stock mouthguards. This helps provide superior protection against hard hits and impacts.
More Comfortable
Custom mouthguards are more comfortable than stock mouthguards because they precisely fit an athlete’s teeth and gums. This means they will not slip or move around during a game, reducing the risk of choking or gagging. Custom mouthguards are also made from softer and more pliable materials, making them more comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Better Fit
Custom mouthguards are made from an impression of an athlete’s teeth and gums, ensuring a better fit than stock mouthguards. This means they will provide better protection and be more comfortable to wear. A better fit also means that the athlete can speak and breathe more efficiently, reducing the risk of fatigue and dehydration.
Improved Performance
Custom mouthguards can improve an athlete’s performance by reducing the risk of dental injuries. In addition, athletes wearing custom mouthguards are more confident and aggressive on the field or court because they know their mouthguard protects their teeth and gums. This increased confidence can lead to better performance, allowing athletes to play at their best.
Cost-effective
While custom mouthguards are more expensive than stock mouthguards, they are cost-effective overall. Dental injuries can be costly, especially requiring extensive dental work like root canals, crowns, or implants. Custom mouthguards can prevent these injuries from happening in the first place, saving athletes and their parents from costly dental bills.
Although they are more expensive than stock mouthguards, they are cost-effective in the long run because they can prevent costly dental injuries. If you are an athlete, talk to your Brookwood Dental Associates dentist about getting a custom mouthguard.