LET’S TALK ABOUT TWO THINGS. First, the importance of wearing a mouthguard if you (or someone you care for) is involved in just about any type of sport. And second, the importance of maintaining that mouthguard. Mouthguards provide far more value than simply protecting teeth. They also help prevent head injuries. How? Mouthguards act as a “shock absorber” to help cushion the head against sports-related concussions. Young or old athlete, and regardless of the sport, they just make sense.
Whether You’re An NFL Linebacker, Middle-Aged Weekend Warrior, Or Little League Short Stop
Take a couple of minutes to learn about mouthguards from this short video: [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnalSyVjqGw]
3 Types of Mouthguards as mentioned in the video above.
1) Over the counter, boil and fit. These guards are inexpensive and work well to protect teeth, especially in young kids who are still growing with lots of baby teeth left. The cost around $50 to $75 and last 2 to 4 months before needing to be replaced. 2) Custom made sports mouthguards. We get moulds of your teeth and customize the fit using cross linked laminated layers. They are thinner, the do not impinge on your airway, they are very comfortable, they can be in any colour you wish, and they distribute forces along a broader area for better tooth and bone protection. These custom guards cost about $250.00 and last for up to 2 years. 3) Agility Guards (www.agilityguard.com). These take the custom guard listed above and we do some diagnostic, non-invasive tests to determine the optimal position of your lower jaw. Once determined, this position optimizes the upper body, improving your balance, range of motion, flexibility, and muscle recruitment not only in the upper body but the lower body as well. In short, if you find the correct position, an Agility Guard will also improve your sports performance. It could be the difference between 4th and a Podium finish in individual sports! But the most important reason for this mouthguard is when we find the optimized bite position, we actually decompress the TMJ (the joint where your lower jaw meets the skull). When a mouthguard is fitted into this position, it prevents a direct transfer of an impact along the jaw to the skull, reducing the chance you can get a concussion, and if a concussion occurs, it reduces the severity of a concussion. This was demonstrated quite clearly in research published just this year, in 2014. We at Agility Guard believe that properly positioned and fitted mouthguards should be essential equipment for all athletes in all sports. There is not one sport where an AG would not benefit the athlete. These guards range in price from $400.00 to $750.00 and should last up to 5 years, if properly cared for.
3 Ways To Keep Your Mouthguard In Great Condition
Clean It Frequently
- Rinse it with cool water after every use.
- Gently brush it occasionally with toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Avoid hot water as it may change the fit.
- For a deep cleaning, try denture cleaner.
Be Responsible
- Don’t chew on your mouthguard.
- Keep it in a hard, protective container that allows for air flow.
- Don’t leave it in direct sunlight or in a hot car. This can distort the guard.
Get It Checked Regularly
- Bring your mouthguard with you when you visit us. We’ll make sure it fits correctly and protects your smile.
- If you wear braces or have a protruding jaw, talk to us about the best options.
Take Good Care Of Your Mouthguard, And It Will Take Care Of Your Smile
Mouthguards are the best defense for your smile on the field, on the court, on the ice, on the golf course, on the ski slopes, in the pool, running or biking the paths, and so much more. Don’t have a mouthguard? Talk to us. And if you have any questions about mouthguards, please let us know.
