A mouthguard, also known as a gumshield, sports guard or mouth protector is an essential piece of preventive sports safety equipment. It is designed to cover the teeth and surrounding areas with the aim to prevent or reduce trauma to your teeth, soft tissue, lips and jaw bones. Wearing a mouthguard is required in boxing, rugby, martial arts, lacrosse, ice hockey, and field hockey, just to mention but a few.
There are two impact types experienced during sports.
- Direct Impact is the first type of impact, which is typically sustained, from a direct blow that is expected to the head or face by a hand, arm, foot, stick or ball which; when left unprotected, can cause significant damage to your teeth, lips and jaws.
- Indirect Impact is the second type of impact. This is considered to be the most common form of impact, which involves the upper and lower jaw coming together, from a blow that is not anticipated. It causes significant damage on impact by sending shock waves through the skull, resulting in fractured teeth and potential damage to the jaw and gums.
Stock Mouthguards
This type of mouthguard is used without modification and are thought to offer the least protection due to their looseness and need to clench your teeth to keep in place. Available size: Adult/Junior
Verdict: Better than nothing.
- Disadvantages – Loose / Less secure / Can lead to a false sense of security
- Advantages – Instantly useable / Cheap to buy
Mouth-Adapted Mouthguards
Also known as a 'boil and bite' mouthguard. They are designed to be formed and adapted by the user in the convenience of their own home, and consist of a thermoplastic inner layer which softens in hot water enabling it to be moulded to the teeth and surrounding areas by biting into the mouthguard. Available size: Adult/Junior
This type of mouthguard can offer good protection and comfort for all levels of athletes.
Verdict: Good protection and comfort!
- Disadvantage – Can be bulky / Hot water needed to fit
- Advantages – Good retention and protection / Can be fitted at home
Custom-Made Mouthguards
Offering the best protection and comfort, these mouthguards are made using a replica of the user’s teeth by taking an impression, which is then created into a dental stone model. An EVA sheet is thermoformed over the model, resulting in a precise fit and even coverage of the teeth and gums, providing excellent retention and protection. Available size: Adult/Junior
Verdict: The best an athlete can get!
- Disadvantage – Impression required / Expensive / Time consuming
- Advantages – Excellent protection / Superior fit and retention / Unique design styling
MOUTHGUARD EFFECTIVENESS
- Damage Risk - Tooth dislocation/ Tooth fracture
- Mouthguard – Separates the upper and lower teeth which absorbs and redistributes the shock during impact which can reduce the severity of injury.
- Damage Risk – Mandibular (lower Jaw) fracture
- Mouthguard – Absorbs or redistributes shock and/or stabilises the mandible during traumatic jaw closure.
- Damage Risk – Bruising or laceration of soft tissue
- Mouthguard – Creates a barrier between teeth and the soft tissue cushioning and distributing the force of an impact.
- Damage Risk – Concussion due to direct blow to the jaw
- Mouthguard – Positions the jaw to absorb impact forces that would otherwise be transmitted through the base of the skull to the brain.
Our mouthguards are designed to help cushion the force of a shock wave caused from an impact or blow to the mouth, and reduce the risk of damage to the teeth, cuts to lip or jaw injuries.
The purpose of a mouthguard is to help significantly MINIMISE the severity of oral injuries and concussions and is not guaranteed against total prevention.
A mouthguard won't stop a hit but will help absorb the impact from a hit, reducing potential damage. Your teeth are the one part of your body, least able to repair themselves – even more reason to protect them well.
Be proactive and not reactive, think ahead, be prepared!
DON'T BE CAUGHT OFF GUARD!