As we all know, mouth guards are made to protect mouth safety. For example, Mouth guards in ice hockey can reduce concussion risk.
Mouth guard is a tool often used when sports and other heavy activities with high impact to prevent injury to the lips, face, tongue, or jaw, and also prevent tooth decay. Mouth guards usually cover the upper teeth to prevent injury to the tongue, lips, and inside of the cheeks (and also severe damage to the soft tissue in the area) when there is injury or trauma to the face and mouth. In fact, Mouth guards in ice hockey can reduce concussion risk.
Many sports activities require the use of a mouth guard as standard exercise equipment. Athletes who participate in sports such as rugby, football, soccer, basketball, field hockey, skiing, snowboarding, mixed martial arts, lacrosse, figure skating, boxing, wrestling, and other sports that are at high risk of developing sports injury to teeth, can prevent the occurrence of these injuries by using mouth guard.
Besides being used during sports activities, for instance, Mouth guards in ice hockey can reduce concussion risk, mouth guard can also prevent teeth from grinding when the patient sleeps (bruxism). This type of mouth guard is known as a bite plate or a night bite plate (nocturnal bite) which is also useful so that the teeth do not become worn. A special mouth guard prescribed by a dentist can also fix uneven teeth.
A good mouth guard must always be comfortable when used, tear resistant, durable, easy to clean and sanitize, and must not obstruct speech and breathing. However, in sports, mouth guards need to be even stronger than the medical type. For example, Mouth guards in ice hockey can reduce concussion risk, which is why the designer must consider the impact factor in making one.
Injuries to the teeth, mouth and face are the most common injuries caused by sports. Injuries that occur vary, ranging from soft tissue tears, the position of the tooth changes, cracked or chipped teeth, until the avulsion, which is the complete removal of teeth from the gums.
Although these injuries are usually not fatal, prevention is more effective than treatment. One effort to prevent injury to the teeth and mouth when exercising is to use a mouth guard or mouth guard.
Mouth guard is a device used in the mouth to prevent injury to the teeth and surrounding tissue. This mouth guard is generally used on the upper teeth, but can also be used on the lower teeth. In short, it prevents the surrounding area of teeth from concussion. If you are an ice hockey player, you’ll know that Mouth guards in ice hockey can reduce concussion risk.
Types of Mouth Guard
Mouth guard or protective gear has a variety of types with different levels of protection. Here are the types of mouth guard on the market.
Stock Mouth Guard
Mouth guard with a general form, does not adjust the shape of the teeth and mouth of the wearer. This type of mouth guard is considered ineffective because it has to be bitten continuously when worn, making it difficult to breathe and talk. Mouth guard is relatively cheaper and is available in sports stores, but the protection effect is minimal. However, this Mouth guards in ice hockey can reduce concussion risk, despite the simplicity.
Mouth guard ready. As the name suggests, this type of mouth guard is ready and available and is ready to use. Usually this type is relatively inexpensive and is made using standard printing. This mouth guard can be purchased at a sporting goods store, but there is no special type of design. Most types of mouth guard are thick, and can cause problems for users when talking or breathing. Very few doctors and dentists recommend this type of mouth guard to their patients.
Boil-and-bite
Before use, this type of mouth guard must be soaked in warm water to be soft, then adjusted to the shape of the mouth using the tongue, fingers, or bites. This type is the most widely used by athletes.
This type is readily available at sporting goods stores, but unlike ready-made mouth guard types, this type can provide more protection when doing strenuous activities such as when exercising. This type of mouth guard is made of thermoplastic material which can be put into hot water and then formed into a mouth guard that is right for its users. This type of mouth guard is considered the most commonly used. This type of Mouth guards in ice hockey can reduce concussion risk.
Custom Made – Mouth guards in ice hockey can reduce concussion risk
This type of mouth guard is made according to the curves of each user. Although expensive, this mouth guard is the safest, most comfortable, and widely recommended by dentists. This type of dental equipment is specially designed and made specifically for certain patients. Mouth guards that are specially designed are usually more expensive when compared to other types or types, but can provide maximum protection.
There are two other sub-categories for this particular type of mouth guard: vacuum mouth guard, which is made of a vacuum shaped machine that produces several layers that are bonded together before use; and a laminate mouth guard, which is made using a pressurized lamination machine. To get the best comfort and protection, it is best to use a laminated mouth guard.
Benefits of Using Mouth Guard
Mouth guard should be used by anyone, both children and adults, who do sports with physical contact, such as boxing, hockey, and basketball. Other sports that do not involve physical contact, such as gymnastics, or recreational activities, such as mountain bikes, can also feel the benefits of using a mouth guard.
1. Prevention of Dental Injuries – For Example, Mouth guards in ice hockey can reduce concussion risk
When trauma occurs, the mouth guard serves as a “fence” for the soft tissues of the mouth from the teeth to prevent tissue tearing, bruising of the lips, cheeks, and tongue. Mouth guards also protect teeth from impact coming from the front, thus preventing broken teeth or avulsed teeth. The upper teeth and lower teeth are also protected from colliding with each other during trauma.
In addition to protecting teeth, the mouth guard can also prevent fractures of the lower jaw because of their cushion-like properties that can spread hard pressure.
2. Neuromuscular Relaxation
Mouth guard has the function of relaxing the face and neck muscles by changing its position. Facial muscles, jaw and neck muscles are often tense due to work continuously and heavily. This facial and neck muscle tension can even cause interference with muscles in other body parts. Strained muscles increase the risk of injury.
3. Influencing Performance
Who would have thought that the use of mouth guard can affect performance in sports? A study found that with the use of protective teeth and mouth, the lower jaw is positioned so that nerve fibers and blood vessels in the jaw joints are not pinched, expediting blood flow and the amount of oxygen received by the tissue thereby increasing strength and function. The use of a suitable mouth guard can even affect the arm muscle strength of American football athletes.
4. Psychological Effects
Psychologically, if an athlete is wearing maximum protective equipment. Of course he will feel safer and protected from injury so he does not worry about competing optimally. For example, Mouth guards in ice hockey can reduce concussion risk. It gives the player a relief from worrying about his safety. It leads to better performance.
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