Dsalita Why Wear Mouthguard
Wearing a mouthguard is essential for anyone participating in sports or physical activities that involve contact or potential impact to the face. There are many reasons why wearing a mouthguard is important and can help prevent serious injury.
Protect Teeth
One of the primary reasons to wear a mouthguard is to protect your teeth. A mouthguard acts as a cushion for your teeth, absorbing the impact of any blows to the face. This can help prevent chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth, which can be painful and expensive to repair.
In addition, wearing a mouthguard can also help prevent damage to dental work such as braces or bridges. Without a mouthguard, a blow to the face can cause these dental appliances to break or become dislodged, requiring additional dental work to fix.
Prevent Jaw Injuries
Wearing a mouthguard can also help prevent injuries to the jaw. A blow to the face can cause the jaw to dislocate or fracture, which can be incredibly painful and require surgery to fix. A mouthguard can help absorb the impact of a blow to the face, reducing the risk of jaw injuries.
In addition, wearing a mouthguard can also help prevent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) injuries. The TMJ is the joint that connects the jaw to the skull, and it can be easily damaged by a blow to the face. A mouthguard can help protect the TMJ and prevent injuries.
Reduce Concussion Risk
Wearing a mouthguard can also help reduce the risk of concussions. A blow to the face can cause the head to snap back, which can lead to a concussion. However, a mouthguard can help absorb some of the impact and reduce the risk of a concussion.
In addition, some mouthguards are designed specifically for athletes who are at a higher risk of concussion, such as football players. These mouthguards have been shown to reduce the risk of concussion by up to 50%.
Improve Breathing
Wearing a mouthguard can also help improve breathing during physical activity. When you breathe through your nose, the air is warmed, humidified, and filtered before it reaches your lungs. However, during physical activity, it’s common to breathe through your mouth, which can cause the air to be colder and drier. This can lead to breathing difficulties and even asthma attacks.
A mouthguard can help keep your mouth open during physical activity, allowing you to breathe more easily. This can improve your performance and reduce the risk of breathing-related injuries.
Improve Performance
Wearing a mouthguard can also improve your performance during physical activity. When you’re wearing a mouthguard, your jaw is in a slightly forward position, which can improve your posture and balance. This can help you maintain your balance and stability during physical activity, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
In addition, some mouthguards are designed to improve your breathing and reduce fatigue, allowing you to perform at your best for longer periods of time.
Types of Mouthguards
There are several types of mouthguards available, including boil-and-bite mouthguards, custom-fitted mouthguards, and stock mouthguards. Boil-and-bite mouthguards are the most common type and can be purchased at most sporting goods stores. These mouthguards are heated in boiling water and then molded to the shape of your teeth.
Custom-fitted mouthguards are made by a dentist and are designed to fit your teeth perfectly. These mouthguards are more expensive than boil-and-bite mouthguards but provide better protection.
Stock mouthguards are pre-made and come in a variety of sizes. These mouthguards are the least expensive but provide the least amount of protection.
Caring for Your Mouthguard
It’s important to properly care for your mouthguard to ensure it provides maximum protection. After each use, rinse your mouthguard with cool water and then clean it with soap and water. Store your mouthguard in a ventilated case to allow it to dry out between uses.
It’s also important to replace your mouthguard regularly, as it can become worn and less effective over time. If your mouthguard becomes damaged or shows signs of wear and tear, replace it immediately.
Conclusion
Wearing a mouthguard is essential for anyone participating in sports or physical activities that involve contact or potential impact to the face. A mouthguard can help protect your teeth, prevent jaw injuries, reduce the risk of concussions, improve breathing, and improve performance. There are several types of mouthguards available, and it’s important to properly care for your mouthguard to ensure it provides maximum protection.
