Mouthguard Use in Athletes: Why, How, and When?
A large proportion of dental and jaw injuries that occur during sports can be prevented with the proper use of protective equipment. Among the most important of these devices are mouthguards. Today, mouthguards are widely used by everyone from professional athletes to recreational sports participants, offering significant benefits for both safety and performance.
What Is a Mouthguard?
A mouthguard is a protective device designed to shield the teeth, gums, and jaw structures from external impacts. Its flexible and shock-absorbing properties help prevent dental injuries caused by collisions, falls, and direct blows during sports activities.
Its use is particularly important in contact sports. In disciplines such as basketball, football (soccer), boxing, rugby, and combat sports, mouthguards significantly reduce the risk of dental trauma.
Benefits of Using a Mouthguard
- Helps prevent tooth fractures and tooth loss
- Reduces the risk of jaw injuries
- Protects against cuts to the lips and cheeks
- Absorbs and disperses impact forces
- Increases athletes’ sense of confidence and security during sports
Mouthguards are not only protective devices but also tools that can positively influence athletic performance by helping athletes feel safer and more confident during training and competition.
Which Sports Require a Mouthguard?
Mouthguard use is especially recommended in the following sports:
- Basketball
- Football (Soccer)
- Boxing and MMA
- Handball
- Rugby
- American Football
- Skiing and extreme sports
However, mouthguards are not only beneficial in contact sports. They are also recommended for many activities where there is a risk of falls or impact-related injuries.
Types of Mouthguards
Stock Mouthguards
These products are available in pharmacies and sporting goods stores and are manufactured in standard sizes. They are affordable but may not provide an ideal fit for every individual.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
These mouthguards are softened in hot water and then molded to the shape of the user’s teeth. They generally offer a better fit than stock mouthguards.
Custom-Made Mouthguards
Fabricated by a dentist, these mouthguards are individually designed to fit the athlete’s dental anatomy. They provide the highest level of comfort and protection and are considered the ideal choice for professional athletes.
How to Choose the Right Mouthguard
Several important factors should be considered when selecting a mouthguard:
- It should fit the athlete’s oral anatomy properly
- It should be comfortable and should not interfere with breathing or speaking
- It should be durable and provide effective shock absorption
- It should be easy to clean and maintain
An improperly selected mouthguard may negatively affect performance and reduce the likelihood of consistent use.
Usage and Maintenance Tips
To remain effective, a mouthguard must be used and maintained correctly:
- Wear it during every training session and competition
- Clean it after each use
- Store it in a clean, dry protective case
- Replace it if signs of wear, damage, or deformation appear
Failure to follow proper hygiene practices may lead to bacterial accumulation inside the mouthguard, which can negatively affect oral health.
Conclusion
Using a mouthguard is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect an athlete’s oral health. A properly fitted and regularly used mouthguard can significantly reduce the risk of dental and jaw injuries, helping athletes maintain both safety and long-term performance.
It should be remembered that a small preventive measure can prevent a major loss. Wearing a mouthguard during sports helps protect not only your present performance but also your future oral health.