Sports dentistry primarily involves the protection of the gums, teeth, and soft or hard tissues in the mouth through the use of well-fitting mouth guards. However, this field of dentistry is not only applicable to professional or school athletes, but even to normal people who need specially designed mouth protection, such as those who snore. However, the advancement in sports dentistry is clearly evident in professional sports where head gear already includes specially fitted mouthguards to protect athletes from injury.
In addition to head gear, athletic administrators in schools also require their student athletes to wear face masks and other protective gear for the face, mouth, and head to prevent injuries from accidents. Mouth guards are not only created to protect teeth, they also stabilize and protect the temporomandibular joint and protect it from strong impacts. It also reduces injuries to soft tissues such as the gums, the inner face of the cheeks, and the lips. Some well-known sports that require the use of mouth guards and headgear include soccer, hockey, boxing, motocross, BMX biking, skiing, lacrosse, and race car driving.
There are various types of mouth guards available and they differ in the materials used. Some examples are custom-made mouthguards from sporting equipment stores, mouthguards made by dentists, and the boil-and-bite type. The difference from boil and bite is that it is made from thermoplastic which is then placed in boiling water to reheat it and the athlete will bite into the semi-warm material in which it conforms to the contours and structure of the teeth and gums. .
Custom mouthguards, on the other hand, are precisely manufactured according to the structure of the athlete’s teeth. It is usually made of acrylic with inner layers made of soft materials for comfort, but the outer layer is made of harder acrylic for protection. There are also mouth guards that enhance performance and protect the jaws, such as those from the companies Bite Tech and Makkar. These advanced level guards improve optimal jaw alignment and are also considered tools associated with the mandibular orthopedic repositioning appliance. Its main goal is to improve strength by creating balance and adjusting the joint space of the lower jaw.
Prices for these mouth guards can range from $25 to $2000 for performance enhancing mouth guards. However, sports dentistry also includes the treatment of injuries and traumas caused by sports accidents. It not only revolves around the prevention of these injuries but also for the treatment and rehabilitation of sports injuries related to the joints of the mouth and jaw. So, for active people who love sports or even thrill seekers, it’s best to talk to your dentist about mouth protection gear.