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What are mouthguards?

March 30, 2021

Mouthguards are flexible plastic devices that are used during sports and recreational activities to protect the mouth from injuries, they cover the teeth and gums to protect them.Their use is especially recommended for people who practice some kind of contact sport, they are not necessary for all sports but they are necessary for those that can cause injuries or very strong contusions.


There are different categories of sports in terms of risk of receiving an impact on the masticatory system:


High risk
: martial arts (MMA, jiu jitsu, judo, karate, taekwondo), boxing, kickboxing, rugby, field hockey, etc.

Intermediate risk: basketball, soccer, skydiving, water polo, horseback riding, squash, racquetball, etc.

Low risk: swimming, athletics, etc.

Do mouthguards only protect the teeth?


No, they also protect other elements that are part of the masticatory system, such as the bones, lips, tongue and temporomandibular joint from impacts, as well as reduce the risk of concussion and cerebral hemorrhage in case of an impact.


What types of sports mouthguards are there?


There are several types:


Stock


These are available in pharmacies. They are not at all recommended if you want proper protection.  They fit poorly and are not comfortable. 


Boil and Bites 


They are better than the previous ones, but they are also uncomfortable and it is difficult to speak or breathe when wearing them. Both types of protectors can protect only one upper arch (single) or also the lower arch (double). The only advantage of these two types of protectors is their low cost.


Personalized or custom-made


A customized protector is a protector made by a dentist using a mold to achieve the impression of the athlete's mouth. They are very easy to implement and are made with thermoplastic materials suitable for teeth and gums.


Because of this excellent fit, their comfort, breathability and suitability for speech during use are unmatched by commercially available products. They can have different layers and additional components. 


These mouthguards provide the most effective anti-trauma protection, their use improves sports performance by favoring oxygenation, avoiding cortisol release and comfort. Professional or elite athletes will always use these. 


For all these reasons, these are the only ones we recommend to our patients, it is an investment in your health that will really give an adequate protection and will helpa avoiding bruises or losses in their teeth in the future, as well as allowing the patient to perform their sporting activity much more focused. 


What do I have to do to get my customized mouthguard? 


Schedule your free appointment at our dental clinic, our professional team will be in charge of making a proper evaluation to take the necessary measurements and give you the best option. It is a process that is really fast, safe and painless.


We invite you to visit us at Hoffmann Family Dentistry, remember that prevention is always best for your smile! 


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