Sports Mouthguard
What is the purpose of a mouthguard?
The purpose of a sports mouthguard is to attenuate the stresses and absorb the impact of the physical forces on the teeth and adjacent structures, thereby reducing or minimising the chances of injury.
What are mouthguards used for?
- 9Absorb physical impact during sporting activities
- 9For people with epilepsy who may fall or fit and damage their teeth; or
- 9During intubation for a general anaesthetic procedure.
Is there any difference between the “over-the-counter” ones and the “dentist-made” ones?
An “over-the-counter” mouthguard which with a poor fit cannot provide adequate protection and can compromise the airway if it becomes dislodged. The mouthguard made by your dentist is customised to fit the mouth. A correctly fitted mouthguard will be comfortable, will not easily dislodge and will allow you to breathe easily.
“Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond.”
– Miguel de Cerventes, Don Quixote, 1605