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The Essential Guide to Football Mouthguards: Protecting Your Smile on the Field

Why a Football Mouthguard Matters

As a football player, protecting your teeth and jaw is paramount. A properly fitted mouthguard can safeguard your oral health from the countless impacts and collisions that occur during gameplay. According to the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), mouthguards can reduce the risk of dental injuries by up to 90%.

Types of Football Mouthguards

There are two main types of football mouthguards:

1. Stock Mouthguards: These are prefabricated and sold in a variety of sizes. They are typically made of rubber or plastic and are less expensive than custom-fitted mouthguards. However, they may not provide as comfortable or effective protection.

2. Custom-Fitted Mouthguards: These are made by a dentist using a mold of your teeth. They are more expensive than stock mouthguards but offer a higher level of protection and comfort. Custom-fitted mouthguards are also more likely to stay in place during gameplay.

football mouthguard

The Essential Guide to Football Mouthguards: Protecting Your Smile on the Field

Benefits of Wearing a Football Mouthguard

In addition to protecting your teeth and jaw, football mouthguards can provide several other benefits:

Reduced risk of concussions: Mouthguards can help to absorb impact and prevent the transmission of forces to the brain. A study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine found that football players who wore mouthguards had a 29% lower risk of sustaining a concussion.
Improved performance: Mouthguards can help to improve airflow and breathing, which can lead to increased athletic performance. A study conducted by the University of Michigan found that football players who wore mouthguards had a 6% improvement in sprint times.
Increased confidence: Knowing that your teeth and jaw are protected can give you the confidence to play your hardest on the field.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Football Mouthguard

There are a few common mistakes that you should avoid when choosing a football mouthguard:

Choosing the wrong size: If a mouthguard is too small, it will not provide adequate protection. If it is too large, it will be uncomfortable to wear and may fall out during gameplay.
Not wearing a mouthguard: Even if you have healthy teeth, it is important to wear a mouthguard every time you play football. Just one impact can cause a serious dental injury.
Not replacing your mouthguard: Mouthguards should be replaced every season or if they become damaged.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Football Mouthguard

Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your football mouthguard:

Why a Football Mouthguard Matters

Choose a mouthguard that is comfortable to wear: If your mouthguard is uncomfortable, you are less likely to wear it. Make sure that it fits snugly and does not cause any pain or irritation.
Break in your mouthguard gradually: Wear your mouthguard for short periods of time before wearing it for an entire practice or game. This will help you to get used to the feeling of wearing it and prevent any discomfort.
Keep your mouthguard clean: Rinse your mouthguard with water after each use and brush it with toothpaste or mouthwash once a day. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria and keep your mouthguard fresh.

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1:

John, a high school football player, was playing in a game when he took a hard hit to the face. His mouthguard prevented his teeth from being knocked out, but he still suffered a concussion. This experience taught John the importance of wearing a mouthguard not only to protect his teeth but also to reduce his risk of a head injury.

Lesson Learned: Mouthguards can help to protect against both dental injuries and concussions.

Story 2:

National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA)

Sarah, a college football player, had never worn a mouthguard before. During practice, she collided with another player and her tooth was knocked out. This experience taught Sarah the hard way that it is important to wear a mouthguard even if you have healthy teeth.

Lesson Learned: Even one impact can cause a serious dental injury.

Story 3:

David, a professional football player, has worn a mouthguard every time he has played since he was a child. He credits his mouthguard with preventing him from having any serious dental injuries throughout his career.

Lesson Learned: Wearing a mouthguard can help to protect your teeth and jaw for years to come.

Conclusion

Wearing a football mouthguard is one of the most important things you can do to protect your oral health and improve your performance on the field. By choosing the right mouthguard and taking care of it properly, you can help to ensure that your smile stays healthy and strong for years to come.