Why to wear a mouthguard while playing hockey
Mouthguards, or mouth protectors, are small but mighty tools for protecting yourself while playing sports. During this winter season, your child needs to wear a mouthguard during hockey practice. Mouthguards are typically required for hockey, so it’s essential to have this accessory on hand when you’re playing. Investing in a good mouthguard can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. As long as you use it right.
Does my child need a hockey mouthguard?
Mouthguards sit just inside your lips and provide a shield for your teeth while you’re playing hockey. This piece of protective equipment helps cushion the blow if you’re hit on the face or jaw. It effectively absorbs and redistributes some of that force. With this not all force is centered on one or two teeth, as it might be without your mouthguard. By dissipating some of the force, a mouthguard reduces your chance of injury.
A mouthguard protects your teeth from the force of impact. It also protects your delicate gums, cheek lining, lips, and tongue from cuts or abrasions due to contact with your teeth. Your top teeth are at the highest risk. Especially when you’re playing sports, but the bottom teeth can sustain or cause damage as well.
Mouthguards can also reduce the risk of a concussion. In one study, youth ice hockey players were shown to have a 64% lower risk of concussion when wearing a mouthguard. These findings evaluated both individuals in custom-fit and off-the-shelf mouthguards, demonstrating that mouth protection is effective and important in either form.
Hockey mouthguards are one of the cheapest pieces of hockey equipment that you can buy, and they can save you from thousands of dollars’ worth of dental repairs. Studies have shown that mouthguards are very effective at preventing dental injuries during hockey. One study in Alberta found that the mouth is the third most common area to sustain an injury during hockey, after the arms and legs. The Journal of the American Dental Association reports that as many as 39% of all dental injuries are related to sports.
At what age should hockey players wear a mouthguard?
If a child is old enough to play hockey, they’re old enough to wear a mouthguard. This item provides crucial protection for children’s developing teeth and jawbones. You can get a mouthguard that’s properly sized for any child, regardless of age. It’s simply important to remember that smaller players need smaller equipment. Proper fit is essential when you purchase a mouthguard.
There is no age where you’re too old for a mouthguard. Mouthguards are even (or perhaps especially) important for professional hockey players. This is a high-impact sport, and your teeth aren’t easy to fix. Always wear a mouthguard on the hockey rink, no matter your age.
Do mouthguards work with braces?
Not only do mouthguards work with braces, but they’re especially important. If you have orthodontics in your mouth, a blow to the face can be devastating. The force of the impact can severely damage the appliances in your mouth. The loose brackets, wires, and other components can then become hazards themselves, creating sharp pieces of metal that can seriously injure your mouth and face.
A mouthguard will create a secure barrier that keeps your braces from making contact with your inner lips and cheeks, even if the hardware gets broken. Having a mouthguard in place will reduce the likelihood of damaging your orthodontics and make it easier to repair this damage should it occur.
Make sure your mouthguard covers all your braces. If you have braces on both the upper and lower teeth, you will need a mouthguard that covers both the top and bottom. Speak with your orthodontist to make sure you have the best mouthguard for your needs.
If you want your son or daughter to be more confident and safer when playing and participating in hockey, consider the benefits of wearing a custom mouthguard. Then, visit our website to learn more about what you can do to protect your child’s teeth and jaw.
Blog source: https://www.gunzos.com/blog/hockey-mouth-guard-instructions/
Custom mouthguards and nightguards for Northern Kentucky and the entire Tri-state.
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