Who needs a mouthguard?
Dental injuries in sports are a lot more common than you may think. According to the Australian Dental Association NSW, sports related injuries account for nearly 40% of dental injuries. Without a mouthguard athletes can put themselves at risk for chipped or broken teeth, fractured crowns or bridgework, lip and cheek injuries, root damage to the teeth.
Studies demonstrate that basketball has one of the highest rates of dental injuries for both male and female players. This is largely attributed to hand and elbow contact, collisions and the speed of the game. It is also reported that fewer than 50% of basketball players wear a mouthguard, as they believe it inhibits their ability to communicate clearly on the court.
Types of Mouthguards
To ensure the best protection, it's important to have a mouthguard that fits and is comfortable. There are four different types of mouthguards: preformed stock guards, "boil and bite" guards, custom fit mouthguards from the dentist and custom fit mouthguards that don't require impressions from the dentist.
Here are some things to consider when choosing your guard.
1. Stock/Over The Counter Mouthguards
Can be conveniently purchased from sporting goods store or pharmacy
Inexpensive ($5-10)
Fitting generally not required
CON:
Only available in limited sizes
Inhibits speech and breathing
Requires jaw to be closed to hold it in place
Lack of athlete compliance (due to discomfort)
Prone to being chewed on
Not recommended by the Australian Dental Association (ADA)
Can be conveniently purchased from sporting goods store
Easy to fit
Relatively inexpensive ($15-40)
CON:
Bulky and uncomfortable design inhibits speech and breathing
Loosely fitted
Prone to being chewed on (rendering it completely useless)
Lack of athlete compliance (due to discomfort)
Not recommended by the Australian Dental Association (ADA)
PRO:
Individualised fit provides better protection
Ability to talk and breathe
Well fitted - players are more likely to wear it
Custom colour options
CON:
Expensive ($100-$300+)
Generally requires impressions from the dentist
Takes time to manufacture in a lab
Dental warranty may not be provided
4. SISU Mouthguards - Custom Fit At Home
PRO:
Inexpensive ($45-$55)
Instant custom fit - no impressions needed
Perforated design provide better protection than boil and bite
Crumple zones disperse impact away from the teeth
Perforations allow for natural flow of air and saliva (talk, breathe, drink)
Thin and comfortable design (1.6mm-2.4mm)
Remouldable by placing it back in hot water
Up to $50,000 dental warranty on all SISU guards
CON:
Non-conventional design may be a new unknown concept to first time users (SISU 3D more traditional design)
Mouthguard cannot be customised or colour mixed.
Athletes with braces must have their guard fitted by an orthodontist
