The mouthguard is a plastic protective device used in martial arts and other contact sports to prevent injuries to the teeth and mouth. In amateur competitions in various types of martial arts, the mouth guard is a mandatory attribute of an athlete's outfit.
The use of a mouth guard during competition and training is mandatory in boxing, combat sambo, American football, ice and field hockey, taekwondo, mixed martial arts and lacrosse.
Protective functions of the mouth guard
The mouthguard is worn over the athlete's teeth and protects them from injury and loss as a result of blows to the head. The mouthguard also protects the lips and inner surfaces of the cheeks from accidental biting, tears and bruises, and the gums from bleeding. The mouthguard can also protect the athlete from more serious injuries: concussion, loss of consciousness, cerebral hemorrhage, jaw fractures, and cervical injuries. Usually, novice athletes (boxers) start using mouth guards only after losing one or two teeth, because for the time being they hope for good luck.
Dentists have recently noted an increase in cases of damage to the jaws, teeth and mouth as a result of extreme sports and martial arts. This can be avoided by using a mouth guard.
Types of caps
A standard mouthguard is a budget option for a beginner athlete. It can be made from both conventional and thermoplastic plastic. Standard molded trays do not hold well in the mouth and provide only minimal protection for the mouth and teeth. They often have an unpleasant taste and smell. Their only advantage is their low price.
The molded mouthguard made of thermoplastic plastic provides greater protection as it is able to conform to the shape of its owner's teeth. To do this, it is immersed in boiling water for about 30 seconds, and then applied to the teeth, chewed, and given the desired shape with the fingers.
Customized aligners are made by dentists from an athlete's dental impression using the latest materials and technologies, which makes them extremely expensive. For that kind of money, the athlete receives the highest protection and wearing comfort.
Many sports physicians and dentists recommend using a mouth guard for cycling, rollerblading, mountain biking, snowboarding, alpine skiing, and skateboarding.
In addition, the mouthguard can be for one jaw and for two, from one and a half layers of material, from two or three with a reinforcing insert. Mouthguards for two jaws are more comfortable to wear: the teeth are in the correct position, it is comfortable to speak, drink water, they almost do not obstruct breathing. Three-layer mouthguards with reinforced inserts provide the most protection available today. And mouthguards with special protectors make it easier for the athlete to breathe and create additional protection against impacts.
