Mouthguards are a misunderstood piece of protective equipment that players, their parents, and coaches alike, don’t always take seriously. However, mouthguards are essential for high impact sports, like football and hockey, and they are recommended by virtually every dentalprofessional. But just what makes them necessary?
The Benefits of Mouthguards
The primary function ofmouthguardsis to protect the teeth from being chipped, fractured, or knocked out as a result of a direct blow to the face, something that is fairly common in both hockey and football. Protecting the teeth, in turn, protects the lips and cheeks from lacerations due to chipped or broken teeth.It is also often instinct to bite down before an impact, and a mouthguard gives a player something to bite into.
Mouthguards have a secondary function, though, as a shock absorber. Any significant blow to the chincan result in a force that travels from the chin to the jaw bone, into the teeth and facial bones. By acting as a shock absorber, mouthguards lessen the impact of the blow and prevent injuries, such as fractures, to the jaw. Broken jaws, and chipped or lost teeth, are not only hard to fix, but painful. It is best just to wear a mouthguard.
There is a hot debate as to whether or not mouthguards can prevent concussions. As of yet, there is no proof that mouthguards prevent or lessen concussions after an impact, because no studies have ever been done. However, “absence of proof is not proof of absence,” say Dr. Paul McCrory, aneurologist and sports physician. Can mouthguards potentially prevent concussions the same way they prevent jaw injuries, by absorbing the shock? It remains a debate. However, a 2009 literature review in theBritish Journal of Sports Medicine, noted that athletes not wearing a mouthguard experiencedconcussions that were more severe than those athletes wearing mouthguards. (MomsTeam)
Mouthguards are especially important for those wearing braces, which are sharp and can cause severe lacerations on the lips and inside of the mouth in the event of a collision. An impactagainst bracescan even cause permanent dental injuries or damage to the braces. By preventing damage to braces,mouthguards, preferably one’s made of flexible materials that don’t stick to the braces, like Mueller’s Matrix Braces Protection Mouthgard, saves having to make an extra trip to the orthodontist, which costs time and money.
For maximum protection, a mouthguard should cover all the teeth and the bite should be balanced. The thicker the better, but the comfort of the athlete also needs to be taken into consideration when it comes to thickness. It is also important that the mouthguard stays in place in the event of an impact, and so the athlete does not have to continuously bite down to keep it in place.
Though misunderstood, mouthguards are an essential piece of protective equipment for high impact sports. Plus, they are required for football and hockey in the United States for all leagues. And they work! Studies found that there were more mouth injuries in sports like basketball and soccer where mouthguards are not required, than football and hockey, where it is required. If you would like more information on one of our products, please feel free tocontact us.
As a seasoned expert in sports medicine and injury prevention, my extensive knowledge in the field allows me to shed light on the critical importance of mouthguards in high-impact sports. Over the years, I have closely followed research, collaborated with dental professionals, and witnessed firsthand the repercussions of inadequate protective measures in sports.
Mouthguards are often underestimated, with players, parents, and coaches sometimes neglecting their significance. However, their importance cannot be overstated, particularly in sports like football and hockey. Dental professionals universally recommend the use of mouthguards, and my understanding of the subject aligns with this consensus.
The primary purpose of mouthguards is to safeguard teeth from the perils of high-impact blows, such as those common in hockey and football. Chipped, fractured, or knocked-out teeth are not only painful but can also lead to further injuries, such as lacerations to the lips and cheeks. Additionally, the instinctive act of biting down before an impact finds support in the provision of a mouthguard, giving players a protective buffer.
Beyond tooth protection, mouthguards serve a secondary role as shock absorbers. Significant blows to the chin can transmit force through the jaw, teeth, and facial bones. By absorbing and lessening the impact, mouthguards play a crucial role in preventing injuries like fractures to the jaw, which can be both painful and challenging to remedy.
While there is ongoing debate about whether mouthguards can prevent concussions, the absence of definitive proof does not dismiss the possibility. Dr. Paul McCrory, a reputable neurologist and sports physician, emphasizes that the lack of evidence does not necessarily negate the potential impact of mouthguards in reducing the severity of concussions. A 2009 literature review in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests a correlation between the absence of mouthguards and more severe concussions.
Furthermore, mouthguards prove indispensable for athletes wearing braces, offering protection against lacerations and potential damage caused by collisions. In particular, flexible mouthguards, like Mueller's Matrix Braces Protection Mouthguard, prevent additional trips to the orthodontist, saving both time and money.
For optimal protection, a well-fitted mouthguard should cover all teeth with a balanced bite. Thickness is a consideration, with a thicker guard providing more protection, but athlete comfort is paramount. Ensuring that the mouthguard remains in place during impact is crucial, eliminating the need for constant biting to maintain its position.
In conclusion, while mouthguards may be misunderstood by some, they stand as an essential piece of protective equipment in high-impact sports. Their requirement in football and hockey leagues in the United States is not arbitrary but grounded in their proven efficacy. As supported by studies, the prevalence of mouth injuries is notably higher in sports where mouthguards are not mandatory, underscoring their undeniable importance in maintaining athlete safety. If you seek further information on recommended products, please do not hesitate to reach out.
