The ADA Recommends Mouthguards for Many Sports

It’s important to understand that mouthguards are not just for contact sports. The American Dental Association (ADA), in combination with the International Academy of Sports Dentistry (IASD) prepared the following list of sports where they recommend a mouthguard:

  • Acrobatics and gymnastics
  • Basketball and softball
  • Bicycling
  • Boxing, wrestling, and martial arts
  • Equestrian
  • Extreme sports like skydiving, skateboarding, and mountain biking
  • Field events
  • Football
  • Handball, racquetball, and squash
  • Hockey, field, and ice
  • Inline skating
  • Lacrosse
  • Rugby
  • Skiing
  • Soccer
  • Surfing
  • Volleyball
  • Weightlifting

While some of these recommendations might seem surprising (such as cycling), they are based on the science of dental injury. In these sports, people wearing a mouthguard might reduce their risk of injury to their teeth and face by up to 93%.

Injuries a Mouthguard Can Prevent

When you put on a mouthguard, you might think you’re just protecting your teeth, but the damage can go beyond that. The injuries a mouthguard can prevent include:

  • Broken teeth
  • Knocked-out teeth
  • Broken jaw
  • Dislocated jaw
  • Cut lips, cheek, and tongue

When you take a blow to your face without a mouthguard, the teeth are driven into each other. The strong but brittle teeth are liable to break or pass the force directly onto the bone. This can break the jaw or put it out of position. In addition, the lips, cheek, or tongue can get caught between the teeth, leading to bad cuts.

The evidence does not suggest that mouthguards prevent concussions. Although some people suggested that this might be the case, the science doesn’t show a significant effect.

Why Choose a Professional Mouthguard

When you are considering a mouthguard, there are essentially three types of mouthguards available:

  • Stock
  • Mouth-formed (boil-and-bite)
  • Professional

Stock mouthguards are bought off the shelf and used as they are. They tend to fit poorly. They can be uncomfortable, making it less likely you’ll wear them. If you do wear them, they can interfere with your performance and may increase your risk of injury.

Boil-and-bite mouthguards are popular because they are inexpensive and relatively comfortable. They can be made to fit reasonably well, so they’re a little more comfortable. However, they don’t provide a lot of protection. What protection they do provide also diminishes with time as the mouthguard wears down. If you do use this type of mouthguard, replace it frequently.

With a professional mouthguard, you’ll enjoy many benefits:

  • Better protection
  • More comfort
  • Less interference with your game
  • Long-lasting protection

A professional mouthguard is made for you specifically. It uses the best procedures in dentistry for ensuring a proper fit. It’s also made with highly durable materials that not only provide the best protection, they will last longer than other types of mouthguards.

Are You Looking for a Mouthguard in Torrance, CA?

If you are looking to protect your teeth from sports-related injuries in Torrance, CA, let Dr. Webber fit you with a comfortable, durable, and effective mouthguard. Please call (310) 534-3477 today for an appointment.