Can A Mouthguard Make You A Winner On The Pitch As Well As Off It?

Why You Should Wear a Mouthguard

At Clyde Munro, we understand the importance of a healthy smile for aesthetics and overall well-being. This is especially true for active individuals participating in sports. Protecting your teeth during physical activity is crucial whether you’re a weekend warrior or a young athlete just starting out.

One of the most effective ways to safeguard your smile during sport is by wearing a mouthguard, which is why here at Clyde Munro, we are proud to partner with GRIT Mouthguards, the Official Supplier of Mouthguards to the Scottish Rugby Union and Edinburgh Rugby since 2009. But beyond promoting our products, we want to highlight the significant impact mouthguards have in reducing dental injuries during sports.

A combination of continual improvement of dental procedures and advances in dental technology enables us to repair, if not save, damaged and injured teeth, which we previously may not have been able to do.

But as the adage goes, prevention is better than cure and substantially cheaper. One of the easiest, quickest, and cheapest ways to protect your teeth is to wear a mouthguard during contact sports.

This seemingly simple piece of equipment unlocks a surprising array of benefits, offering protection for your teeth, helping maintain your overall oral health and giving you peace of mind during a game.

Why Are Mouthguards So Important?

In 2022, a report by the British Dental Association (BDA), estimated that 1.4 million people in the UK experience dental injuries yearly. While these injuries can occur for various reasons, a significant portion happens during sporting activities.

The good news is that research consistently demonstrates a clear link between mouthguard use as one of the most effective ways to safeguard your smile. A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that athletes who wore mouthguards were 60% less likely to sustain dental trauma than those who didn’t.

What Are the Added Benefits of Wearing a Mouthguard?

The right mouthguard can offer more protection with more benefits than you may first realise.

A Fortress For Your Smile

The most obvious advantage is dental protection. A mouthguard acts as a shield, absorbing impact and preventing chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth. Whether it’s a stray elbow in basketball, a flying puck in hockey, or a mistimed header in football, your pearly whites are shielded from the brutal realities of the game.

More Than Just Protection For Your Teeth

Protection goes beyond your enamel. Mouthguards cushion your lips, cheeks, and tongue, minimising cuts and bruises from accidental contact. They also offer valuable support for jaw joints and can offer protection for those wearing braces or have dental implants, reducing the risk of displacement or damage.

Sharper Focus Equals Better Gameplay

Have you ever felt distracted by the worry of a potential injury to your head, face, or mouth? The protection offered by mouthguards may not be 100%  protective but at least you’ll have peace of mind that your teeth are more likely to leave the pitch intact, allowing you to focus on the game. Better focus translates to quicker reflexes, sharper decision-making, and, ultimately, better performance. You can unleash your potential without the nagging fear of a painful and expensive trip to the dentist. A custom-fitted mouthguard also means you can communicate with your teammates much more clearly.

Protection For Your Mouth and Your Bank Balance

Once again, let’s remember the financial aspect. Dental injuries are notoriously expensive, and preventive measures like mouthguard and their cost, pale in comparison. A one-time investment in a mouthguard can save you thousands of pounds in potential dental bills, making it a wise financial decision.

Protecting Teeth, Braces and Jaws

Mouthguards offer additional benefits depending on your specific needs. For athletes with braces, they provide extra protection against bracket damage. Mouthguards specifically designed for grinding can also help alleviate jaw pain and headaches caused by teeth clenching.

How Do I Choose The Right Mouthguard?

Not all mouthguards are created equal. Before choosing, consider your preferences, budget, and the sport’s specific requirements. However, mouthguards used in sports generally fall into one of three categories.

Stock Mouthguards

These ready-to-wear mouthguards can be used straight out of the packet but offer little to no protection and are not recommended by dentists.

Boil & Bite Mouthguards

These mouthguards are softened in hot water and then moulded to the contours of your teeth. However, these also do not offer the protection provided by custom-fitted mouthguards and are, therefore, also not recommended by dentists.

Custom-Fitted Mouthguards

These mouthguards are crafted by a dentist using a mould of your teeth, ensuring optimal fit, comfort, and protection.

GRIT Mouthguards

Having supplied mouthguards for Scotland’s rugby team for the last decade, as well as many Scottish boxers, hockey players and Commonwealth teams, GRIT Mouthguards are our chosen supplier.

Each mouthguard is created with the demands of the sport in mind and, consequently, the level of protection required. GRIT Mouthguards can even be customised to match a club’s colours or player’s name.

Mouthguard Maintenance

When purchasing custom-fitted mouthguards for children, it’s important to change them at least once a year. As children and young adults continue to grow, the mouthguard’s protection will become less effective, as the fit will no longer be as secure as it once was. Although an additional expense on top of boots or any other kit they are rapidly growing out, it will also be the cheaper option when compared to a lifetime of remedial dental work should they suffer an injury.

We sincerely hope your kit is thoroughly cleaned after an intense game, regardless of your sport of choice. Your mouthguard should be treated with the same level of care. Always wash your mouthguard after use to maintain hygiene and prevent bacterial growth. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and storage tips so you do not lose it or put it through the washing machine!

Are You Ready for a Winning Summer of Sport?

Investing in a mouthguard is a small price to pay for protecting your smile and overall well-being. Contact SmilePlus Dental Care & Implant Centre, supplier of GRIT Mouthguards, today to discuss your options and ensure you maintain your winning streak on the pitch and your winning smile off it.