Mouthguards are essential equipment for high-impact athletes, as they protect the teeth and jaw while also optimising performance. Wearing this type of dental appliance reduces the risk of dental wounds in contact sports.
Why are mouth guards in sports necessary?
Mouthguards in sports act as shock absorbers, decreasing the impacts that could cause fractures, dislocations, or even concussions. They can also help athletes in the following aspects:
• Diminish the possibility of injuries to teeth, gums, and jaw.
• Enhance breathing and concentration, which are crucial in endurance sports.
• Prevent bruxism in sports that generate stress, such as weightlifting.
Athletes without mouth protectors are more likely to suffer dental trauma, so it is essential to use these elements appropriately.
Types of sports mouth guards: Which one is best for your performance and safety?
There are three principal types of mouth protectors for athletes, each with different levels of defence, adjustability, and comfort:
• Standard (prefabricated). The advantage of this type of protector is that it is inexpensive and readily available, as it is the most common. However, they fit poorly, can be somewhat uncomfortable, and offer limited protection.
• Thermoformable (heat-adaptable). Manufacturers mould them to the shape of your teeth using hot water, thereby improving the fit. Nevertheless, they aren’t as precise as custom-made ones and can warp over time.
• Custom-made. They provide maximum safety, comfort, and durability, and fit perfectly for the wearer. However, they are more expensive and require a visit to the dentist.
The choice in this case depends on your specific needs, use, and budget, to ensure the best protection and personal care.
Why do professional athletes choose custom mouth guards for sports?
Professionals use them because they better distribute the force of impacts, reducing the risk of dental and jaw injuries, and even concussions. Furthermore, because they fit impeccably, they don’t interfere with breathing or speech, improving athletic performance.
If you play contact or high-intensity sports, investing in a custom sports mouth protector can make the difference between a successful season and a preventable injury.
Benefits in sports performance
Mouthguards for sports not only care for your smile, but can also be a key ally in improving your athletic performance. Therefore, the use directly influences factors such as endurance, strength, and muscle recovery.
Improves oxygenation and endurance
High-quality mouth guards maintain optimal jaw alignment, facilitating more efficient airflow. They also reduce airway resistance, allowing for better oxygenation during physical exertion.
This helps improve endurance and reduce fatigue in high-intensity activities (such as boxing or soccer).
Reduces muscle fatigue and improves posture
In this sense, if you wear a fitted mouth guard that matches your specific oral physiognomy, you will benefit in the following ways:
• It reduces muscle strain on the craniofacial area, preventing contractures.
• It helps maintain proper posture, especially in contact sports or weightlifting.
Elite athletes, such as Olympic lifters, report greater stability by preventing bruxism during exercise.
Increases concentration and reduces stress
Jaw stress (unconsciously clenching your teeth) causes distraction and wastes energy. Mouth guards help with this in the following ways:
• They absorb impacts, reducing vibrations that can affect the nervous system.
• They minimise psychological tension, allowing for greater focus on the competition.
This helps in precision sports (such as archery or golf), as it can help improve control and accuracy.
| Did you know? By 2025, women’s rugby will incorporate mouthguards with sensors and LED lights to identify potentially dangerous head injuries. These devices will record the vertical movement and rotation of the head after an impact has occurred. This way, if the values exceed the estimated normal ranges, they will begin to flash as a warning signal. |
Protect your mouth while playing sports.
Using mouth protective devices can prevent injuries and also improve performance. Whether you’re an amateur or a professional, choosing the right model is key to competing safely and with an advantage.
At Village Dental, we understand the importance of protecting your teeth in all circumstances, especially in high-demand situations like sports. That’s why we can inform you about dental care and what procedures can help keep your teeth bright and strong.
Frequently Asked Questions
In which sports are mouth guards mandatory?
They are mandatory in boxing, rugby, and hockey, but are also used in soccer, basketball, and martial arts due to the risk of impact.
How long do these mouth guards last?
Their lifespan depends on usage, but experts recommend replacing them every 1-2 seasons to maintain their effectiveness.
Do these elements affect the wearer’s breathing?
The design of high-quality mouthguards for sports does not obstruct airflow and can even enhance breathing.
Are these devices uncomfortable?
Generic models can be uncomfortable, but custom-made mouth guards fit perfectly, eliminating discomfort.
Can mouth guards prevent concussions?
Yes, they cushion blows to the jaw, reducing the transmission of impacts to the skull and decreasing the risk of concussion.
