At Red Rock Dental, a sports mouthguard is a plastic or rubber device you put into your mouth to protect your teeth from injury while playing contact sports, such as basketball and football. Both children and adults should consider wearing a mouthguard while playing sports. Mouth injuries occur most often during sports that involve physical contact. While a mouthguard won’t prevent all injuries, it can significantly minimize the risk of damage to your teeth. If you wear braces or another fixed dental appliance, you must wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and device. Some people grind their teeth while they sleep as well. If this is the case for you, wearing a protective guard at night is wise to prevent damage to your teeth and jaw joints.

Types of Sports Mouthguards

There are several types of sports mouthguards that you can choose from. Custom-made mouthguards are more expensive but tailored to fit your mouth perfectly. Boil-and-bite guards are less expensive and can be adjusted to fit your mouth at home. The least expensive type of guard is the ready-made version you can find in stores.

Why Wear a Sports Mouthguard?

A sports mouthguard is a protective piece of equipment that athletes wear during various sporting events to protect their teeth and gums from injury. While a mouthguard is a great preventative measure, it can protect against other harms. Wearing a sports mouthguard can help prevent concussions by protecting the jaw and teeth as the athlete’s head hits the ground during a fall or different impact. The mouthguard absorbs the force and prevents it from affecting the head and the rest of the body. Mouthguards also protect the rest of the face and head against fractures in accidents like car crashes.

Be sure to talk with your dentist about the correct type of mouthguard for your sport, as different options are available. For example, basketball players may need another mouthguard than football players due to their various positions. Your dentist can help you choose the right one. In addition to helping prevent injuries and concussions, a sports mouthguard can help prevent and reduce pain from oral trauma. It can even help treat TMJ disorder. 

Get in touch with Red Rock Dental at 900 S Pavilion Center Dr #140, Las Vegas, NV 89144, or call (702) 243-8788 to learn more about sports mouthguards and if they suit you. Call our practice if you have questions about athletic mouthguards or other sports equipment!