Athletic Mouthguards

Athletic mouthguards are crucial for athletes to protect against dental injuries such as broken teeth, fractured jaws, and cuts to the lips or mouth. They also help reduce the risk of concussions by providing cushioning and support during impact sports, ensuring overall safety and well-being.

Custom mouthguards are an essential piece of equipment for athletes who participate in contact sports. Designed to protect the teeth, mouth, and soft tissues from dental injuries, custom athletic mouthguards provide optimal fit, comfort, and protection. Let our team at The Downtown Dentist in downtown Colorado Springs help keep you safe during contact sports.

Understanding Athletic Mouthguards

Athletic mouthguards, also known as sports mouthguards, are specialized devices that athletes wear to shield their teeth from impact injuries during contact sports. Whether you’re playing football, rugby, boxing, martial arts, roller derby, field hockey, lacrosse, or water polo, dental injuries are a common risk. 

A mouthguard acts as a protective barrier, absorbing the shock of a blow and distributing it evenly, reducing the risk of dental injuries, concussions, and soft tissue damage. Custom-fit mouthguards, in particular, provide superior protection due to their precise fit and optimal coverage.

Why Are They Important?

The mouth is a vulnerable area, and a blow to the face can result in painful soft tissue injuries, tooth fractures, or even tooth loss. Dental injuries can be costly and require extensive dental treatments. Additionally, mouthguards help guard against concussions by minimizing the impact forces transmitted through the jaw to the brain. 

Athletes in sports like rugby, boxing, roller derby, field hockey, and lacrosse must wear mouthguards to protect their mouths and teeth from potential harm.

Custom vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards

When it comes to choosing an athletic mouthguard, there are two options available: custom mouthguards and store-bought mouthguards. While both options provide some level of protection, custom mouthguards offer numerous advantages over their store-bought counterparts. 

Comparing the Protection Offered

Custom mouthguards offer superior protection compared to store-bought options. Tailored to fit individual mouths, they provide optimal coverage and support for teeth and soft tissues, reducing the risk of injuries during contact sports. 

Store-bought mouthguards, being generic in size, may not offer the same level of protection due to poor fit.

Comfort and Fit

Custom mouthguards offer a personalized fit for comfort and security. Crafted from dental impressions, they mold to an individual’s teeth and mouth shape, improving retention and minimizing discomfort during sports. 

Store-bought alternatives may be uncomfortable and ill-fitting, affecting an athlete’s performance.

The Science Behind Custom Athletic Mouthguards

The construction of custom athletic mouthguards involves the use of specific materials and dental technology to create durable, protective devices. Understanding the science behind custom mouthguards can help athletes appreciate their efficacy and benefits. 

Materials Used in Custom Mouthguards

Custom mouthguards, crafted from durable materials like EVA and thermoplastics, offer superior impact resistance for contact sports. They are designed to protect teeth, jaws, and soft tissues by absorbing shocks and reducing the risk of injuries.

How Are They Custom-Made?

Crafting custom mouthguards involves a precise and personalized process to ensure an optimal fit for the individual athlete. 

• The Downtown Dentist takes detailed impressions of the athlete’s teeth and mouth.
• The impressions are used to create models, allowing our experts to fabricate a mouthguard that matches the individual’s dental structure.
• The mouthguard is made using high-quality materials, ensuring durability and protection.
• The mouthguard is shaped and contoured to fit snugly over the teeth, providing maximum coverage and retention.
• The final custom mouthguard is precisely designed to fit the athlete’s mouth, offering superior comfort, protection, and breathability.

Reducing the Risk of Injuries

Custom mouthguards are instrumental in reducing the risk of injuries, making them essential for athletes in contact sports. 

• Preventing Dental Injuries: Custom mouthguards act as a protective barrier, shielding teeth, gums, and soft tissues from direct impact.
• Concussion Prevention: By absorbing and distributing impact forces, custom mouthguards help reduce the risk of concussions caused by blows to the jaw or head.
• Jaw Fracture and Tooth Displacement: The cushioning effect of custom mouthguards helps minimize the risk of jaw fractures and tooth displacement, which can result from a powerful impact.
• Cuts and Bruises: Custom mouthguards also help protect against cuts, bruises, and lacerations inside the mouth, ensuring the athlete’s overall dental health and well-being.

Caring for Your Custom Athletic Mouthguard

To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your custom athletic mouthguard, proper care and maintenance are essential. Follow these tips to keep your mouthguard clean and in optimal condition:

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Cleaning and caring for your custom mouthguard properly will help ensure its longevity and hygiene. Here are some tips to follow:

• Rinse your mouthguard with cold water after each use to remove debris.
• Brush your mouthguard gently with a soft-bristled brush using mild soap or non-abrasive toothpaste, avoiding hot water that can distort the material.
• Allow your mouthguard to air dry thoroughly before storing it in a protective case to prevent bacterial growth.
• Regularly inspect your mouthguard for any signs of wear, tears, or deterioration, and replace it if necessary.
• Consult with The Downtown Dentist for specific care instructions tailored to your custom mouthguard.

When to Replace Your Mouthguard?

Mouthguards, whether custom-made or store-bought, have a limited lifespan. Here are some indicators that it may be time to replace your custom mouthguard:

• Signs of Wear and Tear: Inspect your mouthguard regularly for any signs of wear, such as cracks, tears, or bite marks.
• Changes in Fit or Color: If your mouthguard no longer fits properly or changes color, it may indicate deterioration, and a replacement may be necessary.
• Recommendation from The Downtown Dentist: Follow our team’s advice on when to replace your custom mouthguard, as we can assess its condition and ensure optimal protection.
• Regular Replacement: As a general guideline, mouthguards should be replaced at least once a year, or more frequently if needed, to maintain their protective capabilities.

Schedule a consultation, today

Custom athletic mouthguards offer superior protection and comfort compared to store-bought options. Designed to fit your unique mouth structure, they not only enhance sports performance but also reduce the risk of injuries. Our team at The Downtown Dentist in downtown Colorado Springs can help you prioritize your safety and performance with a custom athletic mouthguard. Schedule an appointment by calling (719) 260-0216 for our Tejon Street location or (719) 633-3711 for our Willamette Avenue location.