Why Are Mouthguards Important During Footy Season?
Sports mouthguards are essential for players during footy season to protect their teeth, jaw, and overall oral health. With more training sessions, weekend matches, and active play, the risk of dental injuries during sport increases.
Athletes must wear mouthguards to protect their jaw and reduce the risk of concussion. They are more likely to suffer tooth damage if they do not use a mouthguard.
Here are five reasons to consider wearing sports mouthguards during active play, especially during the busy footy season.
#1. Prevent concussions
Traumatic brain injury, such as a concussion, affects how your brain works. Symptoms can include headaches and issues with focus, memory, balance, and coordination.
However, the effects are typically transient. You are more likely to sustain a concussion if you play sports.
A mouthguard provides a softer surface that prevents the teeth and jaws from “clinking” together too roughly on impact, helping reduce the risk of concussion during active sports.
#2. Protect against tooth fractures
The mouthguard acts as a protective covering for your teeth, effectively absorbing and dispersing impact forces during sports activities or accidents.
By providing this additional cushioning layer, mouthguards significantly reduce the risk of tooth fractures resulting from direct blows to the mouth or sudden impacts.
Preventing fractured teeth saves time and spares you the discomfort and inconvenience of dental treatments such as root canal procedures or the application of white filling material to repair damaged teeth.
Investing in a quality mouthguard tailored to your dental anatomy is a proactive step towards preserving your oral health and avoiding unnecessary dental treatments.
Whether on the field, court, or track, safeguard your smile with a reliable mouthguard and enjoy peace of mind, knowing your teeth are protected against fractures and injuries.
#3. Protects against soft tissue injuries
A mouthguard can prevent cuts to the lips, tongue, and cheeks by providing a protective barrier between the teeth and the delicate soft tissues of the mouth.
These wounds can affect the mouth’s soft tissues in various ways, from minor scratches to severe cuts and tears.
Injuries to the lips, tongue, and cheeks cause immediate pain and discomfort and can lead to complications, such as infection and prolonged healing.
Wearing mouthguards can greatly reduce an individual’s risk of injury during high-contact sports or other activities.
Whether it’s a minor scratch or a more serious laceration, a mouthguard’s cushioning helps absorb the force of impact, minimising the risk of soft-tissue damage and allowing athletes to focus on their performance with confidence.
#4. Protect against tooth displacement
Using a mouthguard can help prevent a tooth from being cracked or knocked out during sports or other high-impact activities.
By evenly distributing the force across all your teeth, a mouthguard helps prevent individual teeth from bearing the brunt of the blow, reducing the likelihood that a single tooth will be crushed or displaced.
This essential protection minimises the risk of dental injuries and the need for costly treatments to repair the damage, ensuring your oral health and smile remain intact.
#5. Help prevent neck and jaw injuries
Direct and indirect energy forces can enter the jaw and neck during a collision, potentially causing pain and discomfort in these areas.
The transfer of impact can significantly strain the delicate structures of the jaw joint, increasing the risk of fractures or other injuries.
By wearing custom mouthguards, athletes can mitigate this risk by absorbing and dispersing the force of impact, reducing the likelihood of a fractured jaw joint or related injuries.
Furthermore, custom mouthguards provide tailored protection that conforms to the individual’s dental anatomy, ensuring optimal coverage and support for the jaw and surrounding structures.
This personalised fit enhances comfort and maximises the mouthguard’s effectiveness in preventing injuries during high-contact sports activities.
By incorporating custom mouthguards into your sports gear this footy season, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your smile and oral health while reducing the risk of severe neck and jaw injuries.
FAQ
Do mouthguards help prevent dental injuries in sport?
Mouthguards act as a protective barrier that helps absorb impact to the teeth, gums, and jaw during contact sports.
Who should wear a sports mouthguard?
Anyone participating in contact or high-impact sports such as rugby, AFL, basketball, hockey, or martial arts should consider wearing a mouthguard.
Are custom mouthguards better than store-bought ones?
Custom mouthguards are made to match the shape of your teeth, providing a more secure and comfortable fit that can enhance protection during sports.
Can children wear sports mouthguards?
Yes. Children who participate in sports are commonly advised to wear mouthguards to help reduce the risk of dental injuries.
How often should a mouthguard be replaced?
Mouthguards need regular checks and should be replaced if they become worn or no longer fit correctly, particularly as teeth change over time.
Keep Your Smile Protected with a Custom Mouthguard in North Lakes
Prevent head, jaw, neck, and brain injuries while staying comfortable during play with a custom mouthguard.
At Passion Family Dental North Lakes, we support our patients and local communities by helping them reduce the risk of dental injuries during sport.
Call (07) 3465 1199 or visit us at Unit 4/6 Endeavour Boulevard in North Lakes to discuss custom mouthguards suitable for your needs.
