[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The football season has returned to Brisbane! In local parks, 5-a-side social leagues, and up to the Brisbane Roar FC, everyone is putting on their kit and lacing up their boots!
But there is one important element to football gear that is sometimes forgotten, and that is the mouthguard. At Prevent Dental Suite we would like to welcome the football season while also stressing the need for dental safety throughout its duration.
What About Mouth Guards?
When most of us think about mouth guards we associate them with high-contact and violent sports such as boxing, rugby, or martial arts. But dentists recommend mouth guards for many sports, including football. Each sport requires a different kind of guard and the key is to find a balance between comfort, ease of use, and the level of protection called for.
Mouth guards are a highly recommended safety measure for any person participating in sports. This is because participating in any physical activity can involve a risk of contact to the mouth and face.
The ideal mouth guard:
- Allows speaking and does not limit breathing
- Stays firmly in place during play
- Provides a high level of comfort
- Is durable and cleans easily
- Has no taste or odor
- Shields teeth, bone structure, soft tissue and jawbone
- Reduces the chances of neck injuries and concussion
What are Mouth Guards Made of?
Mouth guards are made of a highly elastic and durable material formed to fit around your teeth so they won’t damage each other or soft spots of the mouth. The design also offers some protection to the jaw and neck.
Types of Mouth Guards
Mouth guards come in three primary types:
Stock mouth guards. Purchased in sporting goods and drug stores, these come pre-formed and ready to wear. They are least expensive, worst fitting, and least comfortable or protective.
Mouth-formed mouth guards. These are either a shell liner or a boil-and-bite type. The first type is lined with acrylic gel or rubber that molds to teeth and then sets to keep its shape. The second type, made of thermoplastic, is placed in boiling water then formed and molded to the contours of the teeth using the fingers, lips, tongue and biting pressure.
Providing a better fit than stock mouth guards, these mouth guards are bulky and do not offer the same fit and protection as a custom-fitted mouth guard.
Custom-fitted mouth guards. More expensive than the other mouth guards, these provide the best fit, comfort and protection because they fit your teeth precisely. Your Kallangur dentist makes an impression of your teeth and a dental laboratory technician – either in the dental office or at a dental laboratory – uses the impression as a mold to create the custom-fitted mouth guard.
Custom-fitted mouth guards are far the best and safest option among the three.
Note for Young Athletes
The young mouth experiences growth spurts, so a dentist should evaluate a child or adolescent’s mouth before a mouth guard is chosen. Your dentist also can help customise a mouth guard based on an athlete’s specific activity.
Injuries Prevented By Mouth Guards
An effective mouth guard should be able to protect you from a variety of injuries.
A mouth guard:
- Protects against chipped or broken, loose, or lost teeth, as well as root and bone damage.
- Defends against serious injuries like jaw fracture, concussion, cerebral hemorrhage, and neck injuries.
- Prevents cuts and bruises of the lips, tongue and cheeks, particularly for athletes wearing orthodontic appliances.
- Protects against jaw fracture or dislocation.
Injuries still can happen, particularly in rough sports, but the risk is significantly decreased when you wear a mouth guard. Wearing a poorly fitting mouth guard, however, can lead to injury, which is another reason to get your custom-fitted mouth guard from your Prevent Dental Suite dentist.
If you are considering participating in football, or any sports, be sure to purchase a high-quality mouth guard. Custom mouth guards from your Prevent Dental Suite dentist are ideal for anyone who’s into sports – they are comfortable and very effective at keeping your smile intact!
High-quality Custom Mouth Guards at Prevent Dental Suite in Kallangur
Prevent Dental Suite in Kallangur can supply perfectly fitted mouthguards custom designed for football or any sport. We’ll take a quick impression of your teeth, have our dental laboratory fabricate your mouth guard, and give you full instructions on how to use it.
Take advantage of our Custom Fit Mouth Guards for just $170 or Rebate only (please check with your private insurance, some limitations apply). Call us on +61 7 3886 2428 or book your appointment online today!
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