Sports Mouthguards in Anaheim Hills, CA

Sports guards, also referred to as mouthguards, are typically made from either plastic or rubber. They are protective devices used in contact and non-contact sports alike to reduce injury for athletes.

Athletes, such as those who play hockey, basketball, and football, and those who are into gymnastics and skateboarding, to name a handful, can all benefit from sports guards.

Sports guards work by fitting over an athlete’s gums and teeth, absorbing and equally distributing the impact of a blow, preventing injury during athletic activities. They help reduce the chances of severe injury to the teeth, gums, tongue jaw, and even the skull.

Sports guards have many benefits for the person wearing them. The guards reduce the chances of serious injury to the mouth, teeth, gums as well as jaw while one participates in contact and non-contact sports. Sports guards reduce the chance of tooth loss, chipping, and cracking and they help prevent injuries to the jaw, such as dislocations and fractures.

Sports guards also work to reduce the risk of concussion when taking a blow to the face or skull and they also work to reduce the chances of soft tissue injuries to the lips, face, gums, and tongue. Additionally, sports guards provide proper alignment for the jaw which can work to prevent headaches and jaw pain.

They are also reported to provide beneficial psychological benefits for an athlete by allowing them a sounder state of mind while using the device. This works to increase an athlete’s confidence, providing for a greater performance in their activity while wearing a sports guard.

Sports guards are a great form of ‘insurance’ for athletes as it gives them a greater sense of safety and security while being worn on the ice, field, court, ring, and in the gym. Sports guards can potentially save an athlete thousands of dollars in dental bills or invasive surgeries. They are a highly recommended device, among parents, coaches, and dental professionals.

Sports guards come in many different materials, shapes, and sizes, which serve different purposes, depending on the needs of an athlete. There are three main types of sports guards.

Boil and bite-style guards are made of thermoplastic materials and are available at sporting goods stores. Simply heat the thermoplastic guard in boiled water, bite down into it, and the guard then forms to the unique shape and size of an athlete’s gums, teeth, and mouth. These sports guards provide a comfortable fit but may not offer the best level of protection for the wearer.

The second type is the stock-style mouthguards, which are already pre-formed and ready-to-wear, and they are available over the counter. Ready-to-wear guards are an inexpensive alternative to other guards. However, they don’t provide the same level of comfort or protection.

Custom-fitted sports guards are most recommended and provide the highest level of protection, comfort, and support. In addition, custom fitted guards can also help to align the jaw, placing it at its optimal position, therefore boosting an athlete’s strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Custom-made guards are made by a dental professional and offer a unique fit for an athlete’s mouth and provide the highest level of protection. They are more expensive than over-the-counter sports guards but are of the highest quality when it comes to protection and comfort.

With sports guards, it is important to remember to replace the device every-so-often as they can lose their effectiveness with wear and tear. Athletes utilizing custom made sports guards should consult with a dental professional on the best time for replacements.

Wearing any sports guard is better than none, but custom-made guards offer the highest and most effective level of support and comfort. Depending on an athlete’s needs and budget, picking a sports guard may not be easy. If you are unsure, then it is always best to consult with a dental professional as they can guide you in the right direction on the sports guard front and help keep you safer in the ‘game.’

MySmile Dental Care offers sports mouthguards. We serve patients from Anaheim Hills CA, Yorba Linda CA, Tustin CA, Villa Park CA, Irvine CA, Corona CA, Orange CA, Santa Ana CA and BEYOND.