Custom Mouthguards
Sporting injuries are a leading cause of adults losing teeth
With the Rugby Six Nations taking place we thought that it would be useful to focus this blog on the importance of wearing a mouthguard (sometimes called a gum shield) during sport.
Sporting accidents are one of the most common causes of dental injury. Every year thousands of people, including children, are treated for dental injuries that could have been avoided or minimised by wearing a protective mouthguard.
At Smile Concepts we offer a custom made mouthguard service. Get in touch with the practice on 0121 705 2705.
What is a mouthguard?
A mouthguard is a rubber-like cover which fits over your teeth and gums, cushioning them and protecting them from damage.
When would I need a mouthguard?
It is important to wear a mouthguard whenever you play sport that involves physical contact or moving objects. For example; cricket, hockey, football, American football, boxing and rugby.
Choosing a mouthguard
There are many types of mouthguards available ranging from cheap, over the counter types to professionally custom made mouthguards.
Over the counter mouthguards do protect but are not an accurate fit, they are looser/less comfortable and more conscious that you are wearing a mouthguard. It worthwhile investing in a custom made mouthguard, they are more comfortable with a much better fit and offer greater protection.
Custom made Mouthguards
At Smile Concepts we offer a custom made mouthguard service. An impression is taken to create an accurate plaster model of your teeth; your dentist can assess your mouth to ensure that your mouthguard fits perfectly, is appropriate for you and is comfortable to wear.
It’s important that you have your mouthguard assessed by your dentist at your regular dental check-up to ensure it still fits correctly for maximum protection. Children that have new, secondary adult teeth coming through may need to have their mouthguard replaced more regularly.
Five Reasons to wear a mouthguard when playing sport
- Cushions teeth against impact
- Can help protect against jaw joint injuries
- Protects against soft tissue injuries
- Can help prevent neck and jaw injuries
- May help reduce concussion
New Zealand rugby saw a 43 per cent reduction in dental injuries after referees were given powers to ensure that all domestic rugby players of all ages must wear mouthguards.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) regulations have acknowledged the importance of mouthguards and have made them compulsory for all players above school level who are involved in rugby. If these players have to wear them then there really is no excuse for it not to be compulsory for school children. Also why stop at just rugby? All sports where there is a risk of broken or damaged teeth or jaws should make the wearing on mouthguards mandatory.
If you should be unlucky enough to have a tooth knocked out, here is a guide to follow
- Don’t panic
- Firstly, if you can find the tooth and it is clean, put it back into the socket yourself and hold it there. If you can’t put it back, put it straight into a cup of milk or keep it in your mouth.
- Do go to a dentist or hospital as soon as possible
- Do take painkillers if you need to, but don’t take any medication containing aspirin as this can cause the bleeding to get worse
- Don’t hold the tooth by the root, as teeth are surrounded by fragile ligaments that need to be kept intact if the tooth is to be put back in
- Don’t clean the tooth with disinfectant or water, or let it dry out
- Don’t put aspirin or clove oil on the wound
- The sooner the tooth is replaced, the better the chances of success. If you have not managed to do it yourself, the dentist may be able to put the tooth back. They may use a dental splint to fasten the tooth against the teeth on either side. In most cases this is successful, and once the splint is removed the tooth is stable. However, you will almost certainly need more treatment in the future.
If you have any concerns that you may have damaged your teeth whilst playing sports or if you wish to discuss a custom fitted mouthguard, please get in touch with the practice on 0121 705 2705 or email us.
