A sportsguard is an oral appliance worn over your upper teeth to protect them while playing sports. Sportsguards are also called mouthguards, mouth protectors, or even mouthpieces. They offer numerous benefits, such as:

Prevention of Tooth Fractures

The mouth is very sensitive to hard impact, and teeth can easily fracture during sports-related collisions or falls. Proper wear of a sportsguard can significantly reduce the chance of tooth damage during any sports activity or physical activity. With a high-quality sportsguard, the risk of tooth loss due to trauma can be greatly reduced.

There are several different types of sportsguards on the market, and they can be worn during a variety of activities. A stock mouth guard is a generic one-size-fits-most type of mouth protector. These come in a single thickness and are made of a soft polyvinyl chloride material. Stock mouth guards are the least effective at protecting against injuries since they are very bulky and not as comfortable as custom guards. However, they are the cheapest option available.

Custom sportsguards are more comfortable to wear than stock mouthguards because they are made to fit the exact measurements of each particular patient’s mouth. The higher quality the material of the custom sportsguard is, then the denser the filling material is, the better the protection will be. Although custom sportsguards may be more expensive than stock mouthguards, they are worth investing in because they last a lot longer and are more comfortable for patients to wear.

Protection of Lips and Gums from Injury

A sportsguard is a protective appliance that is worn over your teeth when playing sports, especially those that may involve falls or contact. It helps prevent injury to the teeth and the mouth. It also protects the mouth from lacerations caused by broken teeth or cheeks.

The guard is usually made from a pliable rubber material that fits snugly over the teeth. It is custom-made for each individual patient, so it fits into the mouth perfectly. Because it is made of a comfortable and flexible material, the guard does not interfere with a person’s speech or breathing while wearing it.

Sportsguards are a vital piece of protective gear for both children and adults who play sports. They can help protect against injuries that can cause pain and affect one’s ability to speak and eat normally. It is important to wear a sportsguard during any sport where there is a risk of falling. This includes football, baseball, basketball, hockey, and skateboarding. However, it is also recommended to wear a guard when playing sports involving physical contacts, such as soccer, lacrosse, rugby, gymnastics, wrestling, and martial arts.

Reduction of Facial Cuts

A mouth guard can be a lifesaver when it comes to protecting your teeth, gums, and supporting bone from damage in sports-related accidents. Although sports guards are mostly worn by athletes to protect their teeth during contact sports such as football and boxing, they also offer important protection for non-contact sports too. For example, you may wear one to protect your smile if you ride a motorcycle or bicycle or if you play a physical sport like basketball for example.

Less Expensive Than Restorative Dentistry

A sportsguard is inexpensive and can be used for a variety of sports activities, including football, basketball, gymnastics, skateboarding, soccer, baseball, softball, wrestling, martial arts, and other contact sports. Even if it knocks out a tooth or destroys a restoration, it will need to be replaced—which isn’t the case with a tooth that has been knocked out or a restoration that is broken or chipped.

Plus, while wearing a mouthguard won’t prevent all oral injuries, it can reduce the risk of broken teeth by as much as 40 percent and reduce overall injury to the soft tissues of the jaw by up to a whopping 50 percent! So not only does a sportsguard protect your teeth from injury, but it also protects your mouth as a whole. And the less damage you experience to your teeth and gums, the less likely you will be to need costly treatments such as root canal therapy, crowns, veneers, or even dental implants. 

To learn more, call Dr. Dizik’s office to schedule your consultation today. Call (650) 348-5424 to book an appointment, or visit us at 720 N El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94401.