When it comes to protecting the oral health of athletes, mouthguards are a must. From contact sports to activities that involve potential impact, a mouthguard is essential for preventing dental injuries and minimizing the risk of concussions.

While a variety of over-the-counter options are available, athletes benefit most from investing in a custom mouthguard tailored to their specific needs. Why is a custom mouthguard the best choice for athletes? Let’s find out.

Superior Protection

Personalized mouthguards offer superior protection compared to their mass-produced counterparts [1]. The custom fit ensures that the mouthguard covers the entire surface of the teeth, providing optimal coverage and shock absorption during impact. This reduces the risk of dental injuries, such as chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth, as well as lacerations to the lips or tongue.

A well-fitted mouthguard can even help prevent or minimize the severity of concussions by acting as a buffer between the upper and lower jaw, absorbing and distributing the impact forces more efficiently [2].

Optimal Fit and Comfort

One of the most significant advantages of a custom mouthguard is its ability to provide an
optimal fit and supreme comfort.

Unlike generic mouthguards, custom ones are personally designed by dental professionals. Dentists create them using precise impressions of an athlete’s teeth, ensuring a secure and snug fit that allows the guard to remain in place during intense physical activities.

Custom mouthguards are also made from high-quality materials that are durable, lightweight, and adaptable to an individual’s unique mouth structure, leading to enhanced comfort [3].

Unrestricted Speech and Breathing

One common concern with standard mouthguards is their interference with an athlete’s speech and breathing on the field or court. Ill-fitting and bulky mouthguards often cause difficulty speaking and breathing.

On the other hand, custom mouthguards are designed carefully for an athlete’s speech. They offer a streamlined and slim profile, allowing athletes to communicate effectively without compromising safety.

In addition, custom mouthguards don’t hinder breathing, as OTC mouthguards can [4]. A comfortable, well-fitting mouthguard allows for proper speech and breathing during sports.

Longevity and Durability

Many generic mouthguards lose their shape and resilience over time, compromising their protective capabilities. Custom mouthguards, however, are constructed from high-quality materials that are built to last.

Custom mouthguards withstand intense impact and biting forces, retaining their shape, flexibility, and protective properties for longer. Investing in a custom mouthguard not only provides optimal protection but reduces the need for frequent replacements.

Start Designing Your Custom Mouthguard Today

For athletes seeking the highest level of protection, comfort, and performance, a custom mouthguard is the best option. The precise fit, superior protection, and durability that custom mouthguards offer undoubtedly surpass the generic alternatives. Get started designing your custom mouthguard today by visiting your dentist, and have peace of mind knowing that your teeth and gums are well-protected!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4148563/
2. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140501101133.htm
3. https://www.ada.org/en/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-
health-topics/athletic-mouth-protectors-mouthguards
4. https://www.ijhsr.org/IJHSR_Vol.11_Issue.7_July2021/IJHSR049.pdf