Essential protection for certain sports
Although you can get hurt in everyday life, dental trauma is much more common in sports where you can take hits or blows. Think of team sports (hockey, football, soccer, basketball, etc.) and combat sports (boxing, wrestling, mixed martial arts, karate, taekwondo, etc.). Other activities also carry a risk of falls or repeated impacts, including mountain sports (biking, skiing, snowboarding) and acrobatic or street sports (gymnastics, skateboarding, etc.). The chances of breaking or losing a tooth, cutting the soft tissues, fracturing the jaw or getting a concussion from a blow to the mouth are high in these activities. To avoid such injuries, it is recommended to wear a sports mouthguard.
Types of mouthguards on the market
- The preformed (ready-to-wear) mouthguard: Affordable and available in sports stores, this mouthguard is fairly bulky, which makes it uncomfortable and unstable. It offers little protection and can even cause injuries by moving abnormally in the mouth.
- The boil-and-bite mouthguard: This other over-the-counter option is smaller and fits better (you bite into it after softening it in hot water to shape it). It still fits poorly and tends to deform.
- The custom mouthguard: Made from impressions taken at the clinic, it is comfortable and protects well against the main injuries.
A custom mouthguard: a wise choice
Although it requires a bigger investment (it costs more and takes visits to the dentist to make), this mouthguard is the most beneficial. Thanks to its custom fit, it stays in place and properly protects the teeth and other tissues of the mouth. It adapts to each person’s particular features, young or not so young, and can even be worn with braces.
Tips for optimal protection
If you or your child play a high-risk sport, we will help you choose the sports mouthguard that suits your favourite activity and your particular features (braces, growing mouth, etc.). We also recommend choosing a brightly coloured mouthguard, so it is easier to find in the heat of the action. You will also need to replace it every season for optimal protection!