Mouthguard for athletes
Accidents can never be completely prevented. However, some activities are more likely to result in injuries, particularly to the mouth and teeth. This is the case for activities involving a high risk of blows, bumps or falls. To avoid trauma, it's advisable to wear a sports mouthguard, such as the custom-made ones we offer at the Centre dentaire Taschereau in Brossard.
Sports and risks to the mouth
The practice of certain sports comes with its share of risks for the mouth and teeth. However, the chances of sustaining various injuries are not the same for all sporting activities. They are greater for combat sports such as martial arts, wrestling and boxing, and team or contact sports such as field hockey, soccer, soccer and basketball. These activities often result in blows to the face or shocks. Other sports, such as gymnastics, skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking, involve the risk of falls and bumps. To guard against injury, we recommend you wear a mouthguard when practicing these sports.
Some possible injuries
- Dental breakage;
- The expulsion of a tooth from its socket;
- Cuts to the lip, tongue, gums or inside of the cheeks;
- A fractured jaw;
- A concussion.
Mouthguard models on the market
The ready-to-wear (universal) protector : inexpensive and easily accessible, it's big and tends to come out of the mouth, as well as being likely to cause injury. The protection it provides is therefore fairly low;
The so-called universal protector : also available over the counter, it must first be formed by biting into it after softening in boiling water. Smaller and better adapted than ready-to-wear models, it is nevertheless not very stable and easily deformed;
The custom-made protector : clinically fabricated from personal dental impressions, this is the best-fitting of the three. It's comfortable, stable and completely safe.
Mouthguards: more information
Mouthguards can be worn in conjunction with fixed braces. This should be taken into account when designing the mouthguard. It's also a good idea to choose a bright, contrasting color to make it easier to find if you lose it in the heat of the moment. Remember, it's important to change it every sports season, especially if it belongs to your child or teenager whose mouth is still growing.
