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They get in the way but they do protect you. Do you really need mouthguards?
A mouthguard is a plastic device that protects your gums and teeth from injury during sports. A mouthguard is a kind of airbag for your teeth. It distributes the impact forces over a larger area so that the impact on your gums and teeth is significantly reduced.
In this article you can read everything about what a mouthguard is, how it works, what you use it for and what you should pay attention to when choosing the right protector.
What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
Mouthguards: An important tool in contact sports
Why is wearing a mouthguard so important?
A mouthguard is an essential tool for athletes who play a sport that involves body contact and/or hitting things with a stick or racket. Wearing a mouthguard can prevent serious dental injuries, which could otherwise be significant. The Royal Dutch Hockey Association therefore strongly recommends wearing a mouthguard for all hockey players.
What types of mouthguards are there?
There are different types of mouthguards available. The cheaper variants are often standard and offer insufficient protection and wearing comfort. In addition, there are specially made-to-measure mouthguards, which are adapted by a dentist or dental laboratory to the shape of the athlete's teeth. These offer a perfect fit and ensure optimal protection and wearing comfort.
When should you wear a mouthguard?
It is wise to wear a mouthguard as soon as the teeth are fully grown, usually around the age of sixteen. Especially in contact sports such as hockey, Rugby en boxing wearing a mouthguard is essential. But also in sports in which people actively walk and move, such as basketball and football, wearing a mouthguard can prevent dental injuries.
How do you make sure that a mouthguard fits properly?
A mouthguard must fit well to provide optimal protection. Sports shops often have cheaper variants that you can adjust yourself by placing them in boiling water and then placing them in your mouth. However, these often provide a poor fit and reduce wearing comfort. It is therefore wiser to purchase a specially tailored mouthguard. You can have this adjusted by a dentist or dental laboratory. You first make an impression of your teeth, which you send to the laboratory. The mouthguard is then made to measure and sent to you.
How do you ensure a durable and properly cleaned mouthguard?
To ensure that a mouthguard remains durable and is properly cleaned, it is important to rinse it under the tap after use and to clean it with a special cleaning agent. In addition, it is wise to store the mouthguard in a specially intended storage box. A well-cleaned and well-stored mouthguard lasts longer and offers optimal protection.
How does a mouthguard work?
A mouthguard acts as a kind of airbag for the teeth. It distributes the shock and forces of an impact over a larger area, so that the impact on the teeth and jaws is significantly reduced. This significantly reduces the risk of broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, damaged jaws and mucous membranes.
What types of mouthguards are there?
There are different types of mouthguards available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Below you will find an overview of the most common types of mouthguards.
Clothing protector
This mouthguard is supplied by manufacturers and is available in various sizes. It is made of thermoplastic material that deforms when heated and cooled. After cooling, the material becomes stiff again and molds to the mouth of the wearer. This mouthguard is not custom made and sometimes does not fit properly. It is therefore wise to check them regularly and replace them if necessary. The costs of a confection protector are low and sometimes the healthcare budget reimburses any personal contribution.
Custom mouthguard
A custom-made mouthguard is made by a dentist for your teeth. This mouthguard offers good protection and is fixed in the mouth, so it is not easily removable and cannot interfere with breathing, talking or cause gagging. The material is odorless and easy to clean. The cost of this mouthguard is higher than that of an off-the-shelf mouthguard, but the protection is also better.
Individually heated mouthguard
This mouthguard is custom made by heating the material and molding it to the teeth. It offers good protection and is stuck in the mouth, but can sometimes interfere with breathing, talking or cause gagging. The material is odorless and easy to clean. The cost of this mouthguard is higher than that of an off-the-shelf mouthguard, but the protection is also better.
When choosing a mouthguard, it is important to take into account the sport you practice and the risks involved. In addition, it is wise to check the mouthguard regularly and replace it if necessary. A mouthguard not only prevents physical injury, but also emotional strain and high costs.
What requirements should a mouthguard for sports meet?
Main condition: protection
If you practice a risky sport, it is important to protect your teeth with a good mouth guard (best for American Football we reviewed here). But what should a (sports) mouthguard actually meet? The most important thing is of course that the protector protects your teeth well against hard blows and bumps.
Comfortable and well-fitting
Another important condition is that the mouthguard is comfortable and fits well. If the protector does not fit properly, it can interfere with sports. It may also make you gag or have breathing problems. A good mouthguard therefore fits tightly and is so thin that you are not distracted by it during exercise.
Removable and easy to clean
A mouthguard must also be easily removable and easy to clean. This way you prevent the release of harmful substances that can affect your oral mucosa. A good mouthguard (the overall best for sports we reviewed here) is odorless and free of harmful chemicals.
CE mark and European guarantee
Make sure that the mouthguard has the CE mark and that the material used is approved. A mouthguard must meet European requirements and offer a guarantee of protection.
Suitable for the sport you practice
In addition, it is important that the mouthguard is suitable for the sport you practice. There are different types of mouthguards for boxing and hockey, for example. For example, a boxing mouth guard should be extra strong and protect your jaws, while a mouthguard for hockey (here are some reviews) especially protects your teeth from a ball or stick.
Prevents emotional burden and high costs
A mouthguard not only prevents serious injury to your teeth, but also emotional burden and high costs for dental treatment. So it is definitely worth investing in a good mouthguard.
Dirt-cheap mouthguards are not recommended
Although it can be tempting to go for the cheapest option, cheap mouthguards are not recommended. These are often of lower quality and offer less protection. In addition, they may contain harmful substances that are released during wear.
Have a custom mouthguard made
It is best to have a custom mouthguard made at the dentist or a specialized sports shop. This way you can be sure that the protector fits well and offers sufficient protection.
Do I have to wear a mouthguard during sports?
Yes, a mouthguard is an important tool during sports
Whether you play a competitive sport or just move around for fun, a mouthguard can protect your teeth from the physical impacts that can occur during sports. Even if you don't play sports that involve body contact, things like a fall or high-speed collision can put your teeth at risk. Examples include skateboarding, hockey, rugby and martial arts like karate.
Direct impact to the face can lead to jaw fractures and other injuries
When you receive a direct blow to your face during exercise, it can lead to serious injuries to your teeth, lower jaw, and jaws. Even if your teeth don't break, they can become damaged and need to be fixed. In some cases, a mouthguard can even prevent jaw fractures.
Mouthguards are common in many sports
Wearing a mouth guard is common in many sports where the likelihood of a direct blow to the face is high. This applies, for example, to hockey, rugby and martial arts such as karate. But wearing a mouthguard can also be wise in other sports, such as skateboarding.
Conclusion
A mouthguard is a tool to protect your teeth and molars from injury during sports. It's important to wear one when you're actively moving and hitting, such as hockey, rugby and boxing.
If you wear a mouthguard, it is important to fit it properly and to check it regularly. As you have read, this is not as difficult as it seems.
