The function of a mouthguard, also known as a dental protector, is sometimes underestimated. You probably know that a mouthguard protects your teeth, but did you also know that a mouthguard can, for example, help prevent brain injuries?
Why should you wear a mouthguard for combat sports?
Wearing a mouthguard (dental protector) is important for protection against forces that teeth and jaws are exposed to, such as punches and kicks in combat sports.
It not only protects your teeth, but also the inside of your cheeks and your gums. A mouthguard distributes external forces and thereby reduces the impact on the head, which reduces the risk of concussion or other brain injury. It is important that your mouthguard fits properly. You do this by molding it to your teeth before use.
- A mouthguard protects your teeth, for example, against strong external forces. In combat sports, these mainly involve punches and kicks.
- In addition, wearing a mouthguard is also important for protecting the inside of your cheeks and your gums.
- A mouthguard is generally worn only on the upper jaw. Because your upper teeth naturally overlap your lower teeth, your lower teeth are also protected.
- Because a mouthguard is made of flexible material, it gives slightly when absorbing external forces. It also protects you against jaw fractures.
- This weakens the forces and reduces the impact on your head. This also reduces the chance of a concussion or other brain injury.
However, the medical community has never made a definitive statement on this (yet), although in recent years you have noticed that sports involving significant impact to the head are being viewed increasingly critically.
This applies not only to combat sports, but also, for example, to football (heading) and rugby/American Football (body checks).
What makes a good mouthguard?
There are many different mouthguards available. Since the material is extremely easy to color, dental protectors are also available in virtually every conceivable color.
With a mouthguard, however, it is especially important that it feels comfortable and molds properly to your teeth.
Most dental protectors are therefore sensitive to boiling water. This makes the mouthguards soft, after which you can bite into them so they adapt to your teeth.
Most mouthguards are available in 2 sizes: junior and adult. These days, you also see more and more mouthguards specifically designed for braces appearing on the market.
Best mouthguard and dental protection brands
It is difficult to name one mouthguard brand as the best. Logically, this also depends on the type of sport you practice.
Although dental protectors always serve the same function, manufacturers nevertheless often focus on a particular sport.
Besides combat sports, hockey is another sport in which wearing a mouthguard is very important. If we had to give our opinion, we would choose: Shock Doctor and SafeJawz.
In conclusion, a good mouthguard:
- Protects your teeth
- Protects your gums and the inside of your cheeks
- Helps prevent brain injuries and concussions
- Protects against jaw fractures
