From pee-wee football to professional basketball, athletic mouthguards are an integral part of the uniform. But not all mouthguards are created equal. Custom athletic mouthguards offer superior fit, comfort, and protection against injury.
What are athletic mouthguards?
Athletic mouthguards are a common sight on any playing field. Also known as mouth protectors (but not quite the same as night guards), athletic mouthguards fit snugly in your mouth to protect your teeth, lips, cheeks, and gums from injury.
While bottom teeth can be injured as well, top teeth are more vulnerable and prone to injury simply because they are more prominent.
There are three main types of mouthguards:
- Stock: Generic sizes bought straight off the shelf
- Boil-and-bite: Plastic mouthguards placed in hot water and then bitten into
- Custom athletic mouthguards: Mouthguards fitted by a dental professional and custom-created in a lab
Athletes who wear braces should consider a mouthguard specially designed for braces. This provides the same amount of protection while accommodating (and protecting!) the braces.
Football mouthguards are required at all levels of play, as are hockey mouthguards. The use of basketball mouthguards is increasing, especially as the sport becomes more physical. Some college teams require the use of mouthguards, but professional sports allow players to make their own choice about using them.
Why are custom athletic mouthguards so important?
Mouthguards in general are a vital part of your uniform. Athletes not wearing mouthguards are 60 times more likely to experience injuries to the teeth than those who have that protection in place. Sports injuries also account for three times more dental and facial injuries than do car accidents or violence.
These injuries can include:
- Broken teeth
- Cuts on the lips, cheeks, and gums
- Puncture wounds
Athletes with braces can sustain even more serious injuries to the face and mouth. These injuries may take more time to heal and are often accompanied by the added expense of replacing broken brackets and wires.
Custom athletic mouthguards in particular offer superior performance and protection for their wearers. In addition to a better fit and higher level of comfort, the materials in them are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) as highly protective. There are no other mouthguards with materials approved by the ADA in terms of proving adequate protection from impact.
The ADA does endorse some over-the-counter brands as offering better protection than others. The ADA seal on the package indicates their recommendations. Regardless of endorsement, the protection provided by boil-and-bite mouthguards, although superior to the stock type of orthodontic mouthguard, isn’t enough for high-impact sports (e.g., football, hockey, or wrestling).
Dentist mouth guard vs store bought
Of the three types of mouthguards, stock mouthguards are the cheapest, with custom-made mouthguards at the highest end in terms of cost. For many families, cost is certainly a consideration, but it is important to choose wisely.
The lifetime cost of a knocked-out tooth is an estimated $20,000. Custom mouthguards professionally fitted by your dentist may seem like an extravagant expense, but of the three types of mouthguards, their level of protection is unparalleled.
In addition to protecting your entire mouth from damage, custom mouthguards offer another level of defense. Properly fitted, custom-made mouthguards have been shown to reduce the rate and severity of concussions. This benefit alone makes them a good investment for your budding football, basketball, soccer, or hockey player.
Of course, if your child’s bite is constantly shifting, custom mouthguards just may not be financially possible. In cases where the bite is constantly changing, boil-and-bite mouthguards are the next best option. Make sure to keep an eye on them to watch for tears or broken bits, replacing when necessary as the bite changes.
How to get the best custom mouthguards
There are two types of custom athletic mouthguards: vacuum formed and pressure-laminated.
Vacuum formed mouthguards are the most common but may be less effective for long-term use. With them, your dentist heats a single sheet of EVA polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene copolymer and places it over a mold of the teeth. Air between the mold and the sheet is suctioned by vacuum to conform to the shape of the teeth.
Because this type of custom athletic mouthguard loses its shape over time, check it carefully after each use.
Pressure-laminated mouthguards are widely considered to be the best custom athletic mouthguards available and are used by professional athletes. Multiple sheets of laminating EVA materials are heated and placed over a mold of the teeth before being pressed into shape. These multiple layers, high heat, and high pressure come together to create a durable athletic mouthguard that generally does not warp, loosen, or otherwise become deformed over time.
Working with your dentist, look for a mouthguard that is comfortable and easy to wear. You (or your athlete) should be able to easily breath and talk while wearing the mouthguard.
How to care for your mouthguard
Taking good care of your mouthguard can prolong its life. Between games, rinse and dry the mouthguard, storing it in its case.
You can clean your custom athletic mouthguard with toothpaste and toothbrush. Some dentists will recommend instead washing in warm (not hot) soapy water before rinsing thoroughly and drying. Never leave your mouthguard out in the sun, as this can cause it to warp.
When you visit your dentist or orthodontist for checkups, bring your custom mouthguard with you. They can check for fit and evaluate its condition. Some custom mouthguards can be reshaped as your teeth move. If you have this type of mouthguard, your dentist can make adjustments as necessary at your regular appointment.
Which custom athletic mouthguard you choose depends on your age, the sport you play, and your budget. AZ Dentist is your Phoenix area family dentist for custom mouthguards at any stage of the game. Get in touch today!