When it comes to sports, protective equipment is essential for keeping athletes safe and preventing injuries. While helmets, shin guards, and padding are often non-negotiable, mouthguards sometimes get overlooked. But skipping this small, protective device can lead to some big risks for athletes of all ages. From dental injuries to concussions, mouthguards play an essential role in keeping you safe on the field or court.
Why Are Mouthguards Important?
Mouthguards are specially designed devices that cover your teeth and gums, creating a protective barrier. They help absorb and distribute the force of impact to reduce the risk of injuries to your mouth, teeth, gums, and even your jaw. The American Dental Association (ADA) strongly recommends mouthguards for athletes involved in contact and high-impact sports like football, hockey, boxing, and basketball, but they can also be beneficial in other sports such as soccer, skateboarding, and gymnastics.
Risks of Not Wearing a Mouthguard
Let’s look at some of the key risks athletes face when they choose to skip wearing a mouthguard.
1. Dental Injuries: Broken and Lost Teeth
Athletes who skip wearing a mouthguard are highly susceptible to dental injuries, with chipped, broken, or even knocked-out teeth being common outcomes. A single sports-related injury can require ongoing dental care, such as root canals, crowns, or even tooth replacement in Matteson, IL. These treatments not only come with significant costs but can also be painful and time-consuming.
2. Soft Tissue Damage: Cuts and Lacerations
A sudden hit or fall can cause your teeth to pierce the inside of your cheeks or cut into your lips. This can lead to painful cuts and lacerations on the inside of your mouth, which are often more severe than they appear. Mouthguards cushion the soft tissues in your mouth, reducing the likelihood of these injuries and helping prevent unnecessary pain and bleeding.
3. Jaw Injuries: Fractures and Dislocations
A mouthguard acts as a shock absorber, reducing the impact of blows to your jaw. Athletes who play without a mouthguard face a higher risk of jaw injuries, including fractures and dislocations. Not only are these injuries painful and complicated to treat, but they can also have long-lasting effects on eating, speaking, and even facial alignment.
4. Concussions and Brain Injuries
Although they’re primarily designed to protect the mouth and jaw, mouthguards can also play a role in preventing concussions. When your mouth is unprotected, a direct impact to the jaw can send shockwaves to the brain, increasing the risk of a concussion. A properly fitting mouthguard helps absorb some of this impact, reducing the force transferred to your head and providing a layer of defense against brain injuries.
5. Increased Dental Costs Over Time
The financial cost of not wearing a mouthguard can be staggering. A single dental injury can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the extent of damage and necessary treatments. Additionally, many of these injuries require long-term follow-up care, meaning more time spent in the dentist’s chair and added expense. In contrast, investing in a quality mouthguard costs significantly less and can save you from a lifetime of expensive dental work.
Types of Mouthguards: Choosing the Right Protection
There are three main types of mouthguards, each offering varying levels of comfort and protection:
- Stock Mouthguards – These are pre-formed, ready-to-wear mouthguards that are typically available in small, medium, and large sizes. They are the least expensive but also the least effective because they rarely fit well and can be uncomfortable.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards – These mouthguards are made from thermoplastic material. They are softened in boiling water, allowing you to bite down and mold them to your teeth. They offer a better fit than stock mouthguards and are relatively affordable, making them a popular choice.
- Custom-Fitted Mouthguards – Made by a dentist, these mouthguards offer the best fit, comfort, and protection. They are customized to match your teeth perfectly, ensuring a snug fit that stays in place even during intense physical activity. Though they are the most expensive, custom mouthguards are highly recommended for athletes in contact sports.
How to Care for Your Mouthguard
Proper care and maintenance of your mouthguard are essential for keeping it effective. Here are some tips to help you keep it in top shape:
- Rinse after Each Use: Wash your mouthguard with cool water or a mild antiseptic mouthwash after each use to keep it clean.
- Store Properly: Always keep your mouthguard in a sturdy, ventilated container. Avoid storing it in your sports bag or locker without a case to prevent it from becoming deformed or damaged.
- Inspect Regularly: Check your mouthguard regularly for signs of wear, tears, or deformities. Replace it if you notice any signs of damage.
- Avoid Hot Water: Avoid exposing your mouthguard to hot water, as this can warp the material and compromise the fit.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Skip the Mouthguard
Playing sports without a mouthguard may seem like a small risk, but the potential consequences are serious and long-lasting. From painful dental injuries to potentially life-altering brain injuries, the hidden dangers of skipping this piece of equipment can have lasting impacts on your health and well-being. For athletes of all ages and skill levels, a mouthguard is an essential piece of gear that shouldn’t be ignored. Protecting your smile—and your health—starts with this simple piece of equipment.
Remember, safety should always come first in sports. A small investment in a quality mouthguard can save you from significant pain, costly dental bills, and potential injuries that could affect you for years to come. So, next time you hit the field, don’t forget to protect your smile!