Dsalita Why Wear a Mouthguard During Sports
Sports are a great way to stay active and healthy, but they can also be dangerous. One of the most common injuries in sports is dental trauma. This is why it is important to wear a mouthguard during sports. In this article, we will explore the reasons why wearing a mouthguard is essential for athletes.
Protects Teeth
The most obvious reason to wear a mouthguard is to protect your teeth. A mouthguard can prevent teeth from being knocked out, broken, or chipped. This is especially important in contact sports such as football, hockey, and boxing. A mouthguard can also protect against injuries to the lips, tongue, and cheeks.
When a mouthguard is worn, it absorbs the impact of a blow to the face. This helps to distribute the force of the impact and reduce the risk of dental trauma. A mouthguard can also act as a cushion, preventing the upper and lower teeth from coming into contact with each other during a blow to the face.
Prevents Concussions
A mouthguard can also help to prevent concussions. Concussions are a common injury in sports, and they can have serious long-term effects on an athlete’s health. When a blow to the face occurs, the force of the impact can travel up through the jaw and into the brain. This can cause the brain to bounce around inside the skull, leading to a concussion.
A mouthguard can help to absorb the impact of a blow to the face, reducing the amount of force that travels up through the jaw. This can help to prevent concussions and other head injuries.
Improves Breathing
Wearing a mouthguard can also improve an athlete’s breathing. When an athlete is breathing through their mouth, the mouthguard can help to keep the airway open. This can improve oxygen flow to the muscles, which can improve athletic performance.
Additionally, some athletes may experience breathing difficulties due to a condition called exercise-induced asthma. Wearing a mouthguard can help to reduce the severity of this condition by keeping the airway open and allowing for better airflow.
Enhances Performance
A mouthguard can also enhance an athlete’s performance. When an athlete is wearing a mouthguard, they can focus on their performance without worrying about dental trauma or head injuries. This can improve their confidence and allow them to perform at their best.
Additionally, wearing a mouthguard can reduce the risk of injury, which can allow an athlete to train and compete more frequently. This can lead to improved performance over time.
Reduces Dental Costs
Wearing a mouthguard can also reduce dental costs. Dental trauma can be expensive to treat, and it can require extensive dental work such as root canals, crowns, and implants. By wearing a mouthguard, athletes can prevent dental trauma and avoid the costs associated with these treatments.
Additionally, many dental insurance plans cover the cost of a mouthguard. This means that athletes can get a mouthguard for little to no cost, which can save them money in the long run.
Conclusion
Wearing a mouthguard during sports is essential for athletes. It can protect teeth, prevent concussions, improve breathing, enhance performance, and reduce dental costs. If you are an athlete, make sure to wear a mouthguard during all sports activities to protect yourself from injury.
