What do mouthguards prevent

In this blog we will explore this topic and discuss the reasons mouthguards are so important for certain contact sports. There is a theory that mouthguards can help prevent a traumatic brain injury concussion. They primarily reduce the force being transferred to the base of the skull. Though this theory makes sense, in studies thus far, mouthguards have not been shown to reduce the incidence of concussion. Though they may not prevent a concussion, it makes sense that they could theoretically decrease a hard impact to the jaw from radiating to the skull and lessen the blow.

More importantly, mouthguards help prevent trauma to the teeth and face. A hard hit to the mouth without a mouthguard could lead chipped or broken teeth which could further injure the lips or gums.

Additionally, a proper filling mouthguard helps protect the jaw and the temporomandibular joint TMJ. Of course, wearing a properly fitting helmet is helpful in sports such as football, ice hockey, skiing, snowboarding, and cycling. Parents, coaches, athletic trainers, school nurses, and primary care providers all have a role in teaching children and teens the symptoms of concussion and the importance of stopping play in the event these symptoms occur after a head injury.

Br J Sports Med ; There is no "good clinical evidence mouth guards will prevent concussions, although they have a "definite role in preventing dental and orofacial injury,". What are the most effective risk-reduction strategies in sport concussion. Br J Sports Med ; characterizing studies that appeared to show mouth guards reduced concussion risk, including the study criticized in the study, as having "several limitations which threaten the validity of their results.

Glass RT, et. Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach. My Account Sign In. Connect with us:. Sanitize daily, replace every two weeks or when develop sharp or jagged edges. What youth sports have the most mouth injuries? Injuries to the mouth and jaw - broken, cracked and lost teeth, jaw and joint fractures - are painful and hard to treat: Severe jaw and joint injuries may require surgery and general anesthesia, which requires hospitalization and wiring the jaw shut for 30 days to let the injury heal.

A lost tooth must be re-implanted or false teeth made and fitted. Although easier to treat than a broken or fractured jaw, lost teeth are just as painful. Players wearing braces can sustain serious mouth lacerations if the braces are hit with a ball or by another player. These types of injuries may call for extensive repair and lengthen orthodontic treatment time. Mouth guard types A mouth guard is a piece of soft plastic shaped to fit inside the mouth, protecting the lips, cheeks, tongue and teeth and the jaw when they are hit by large object - like a ball, or someone's elbow or head.

There are 3 main types of mouth guards: Stock. You get what you pay for in terms of fit. Some users complain that they are too wide in the back, making it harder to talk. Boil and Bite. A semi-custom fit can be made using a "boil and bite" model mouth guard. Hot water is used to soften the plastic and your child then bites into the guard, molding it to his or her teeth.

A dentist or orthodontist makes the best fitting mouth guards in a dental office. Custom mouth guards are the best option if your child plays a number of sports each year or plays sports with continuous activity, like basketball or soccer, and is advised for a child with braces so that the mouth guard won't interfere with treatment for more on mouth guards for children with braces, click here.

Once a child reaches age 13 or 14, a custom fitted mouth guard should generally continue to fit for as long as needed. Do not protect against concussion Mouth guards, regardless of type, help prevent injury to the mouth, teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue.

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How Mouthguards Protect Mouthguards can't prevent an accidental elbow from hitting you in the face during an intense game. Using Mouthguards in Sports According to a paper in Sports Medicine , sports injuries contribute to one-third of all injuries to the mouth and face.

Sports that require or recommend mouthguards: Contact sports like boxing, martial arts, football, rugby, lacrosse, and hockey Team with the chance of incidental contact including basketball, field hockey, soccer, wrestling, softball, and volleyball Action sports like mountain biking, skateboarding, skiing, and snowboarding If your favorite sport isn't on our list, it's likely the safe option to use a mouthguard to avoid potential injury and an expensive dental bill.

Types of Mouthguards Even though a few different kinds of mouthguard are available, their general function is the same: they protect your face and mouth from damage. There are three general varieties of mouthguards: Stock comes in a range of premade shapes and sizes. They're the cheapest option but don't offer a comfortable fit or high protection level because of their one-shape-fits-all build.

Boil-and-bite is a good middle-ground between premade and custom-made in terms of cost and function. These are named after the process to mold them, which is to place them in boiling water before biting into them to leave an impression of your teeth.

Custom-made offer the best protection and is often worth the higher cost. A dentist takes an impression of your teeth and gums then orders a guard personalized to your bite. Taking Care of Your Mouthguard When caring for your equipment, keep in mind that they perform best with a good fit. Easy tips to keep your mouthguard in top shape : Rinse it with cold water and clean with toothpaste and a toothbrush before each use to remove bacterial plaque and debris Soak it in non-alcoholic mouth rinse before cleaning with water Store it in a rigid container to keep it safe from damage during travel or storage Avoid hot water, hot surfaces, and direct sunlight that could lead to warping.