Sports mouth guards, often referred to as mouth protectors or athletic guards, are essential pieces of sports equipment that play a crucial role in safeguarding athletes’ dental health. Whether you are a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, protecting your teeth should be a top priority.
Why Wear a Sports Mouth Guard?
- Preventing Dental Injuries: Sports like football, hockey, rugby, wresting and basketball involve high-impact collisions. A mouth guard can prevent chipped, broken or knocked-out teeth. Even in sports involving minimal or no contact, a sports guard can still be beneficial to your smile.
- Reducing Concussion Risk: Custom-fitted mouth guards may help absorb and dissipate some of the force from a blow to the jaw, potentially reducing the risk of concussions.
- Protecting Soft Tissues: Mouth guards also protect your lips, tongue and cheeks from cuts and injuries caused by accidental bites during play.
How Sports Mouth Guards Work
Sports mouth guards are typically made of durable, flexible materials. They are designed to fit over your teeth snugly, providing a cushioning effect during impact. This reduces the risk of tooth fractures and other oral injuries.
Types of Mouth Guards
There are three main types of sports mouth guards:
- Stock Mouth Guards: These come pre-made and are available in various sizes. They are the most affordable but offer the least protection due to their generic fit.
- Boil and Bite Mouth Guards: These are semi-customizable. You heat them in boiling water, then bite down on them for a somewhat better fit.
- Custom Mouth Guards: These are the most effective because they are tailored to your mouth’s exact shape and size. Our experienced dentists can provide you with a custom mouth guard for maximum protection and comfort.
Getting Your Custom Sports Mouth Guard
Call Mayfield Ranch Dental at 512-956-5656 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Jai Kolliboyana or Dr. Juhi Hirpara and find out how a custom sports mouth guard in Round Rock, Texas, can protect your smile!