Lacrosse is a game played by millions of youth in the United States. Although lacrosse is a great way to stay in shape and have fun, it's a contact sport, which means that accidents can happen. Lacrosse is one of the sports that most commonly causes maxillofacial injuries, yet few people are aware of this. Since it is an extremely fast-paced game, it can often end up in aggressive contact between players.
A beautiful smile doesn't come cheap. Regular dental checkups, thorough brushing and flossing, and, if required, the use of orthodontic braces can keep them looking perfect. Time and money are required for this. Avoiding dental injuries can save you a great deal of money and misery, as annual costs associated with sports-related dental injuries reach millions of dollars. This blog post aims to discuss the financial and injury prevention benefits of wearing a mouth guard.
What is a Mouth Guard ?
A mouth guard is a flexible, custom-fitted appliance that is worn over teeth to prevent harm during sports and leisure activities. If you wear braces, have fixed anterior bridgework, or simply want to shield your teeth and smile from potential harm, a well-fitting mouth guard may be very important.
Mouth guards can protect your teeth, brackets, and/or other fixed appliances from damage caused by hits and other direct contact. Furthermore, reducing the chance of soft tissue damage, mouth guards can operate as a barrier between the lips and tongue and between teeth or braces and the cheeks.
What Are The Different Types of Mouth Guards?
You can get three different kinds of mouth guards. Your dentist can advise you on the best option. The mouth guard ought to be comfortable, tear-resistant, and strong at least. Proper fit is also crucial. It shouldn't impede respiration or speech. The three kinds of mouth guards are:
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
These custom-mouth guards are made especially for you. They are created either in a professional dental laboratory or the dentist's clinic. The process begins with your dentist taking a mold of your teeth, which is used to create a mouth guard. Their personalized fit makes them most comfortable and offers the best protection. Since they are custom-made for you, they tend to be on the more expensive side.
Bite and Boil Mouth Guards
These types of mouth guards come pre-formed, which you can later customize according to your bite. The mouth guard is boiled in water, and the athlete bites into the heated plastic to achieve a personalized fit. For optimal effects, closely follow the instructions. Those looking for boil and bite mouth guards can find them at any sports goods store.
Stock Mouth Guards
These are ready to wear and pre-formed. They can be bulky, fit somewhat poorly, and might make breathing and talking difficult. The most budget-friendly choice is a stock mouth guard.
How to Choose a Perfect Mouth Guard
It might be hard for you as a player to pick out the best mouth guard for you. In that case, here are some important things you should think about when picking out dental equipment:
Find the Perfect Fit
If your mouth guard is overly snug or too loose, it could irritate your gums and take your focus off the game. A lacrosse player should choose a dental product that fits snugly around the teeth so they can talk and breathe easily.
Strong and Long-lasting Material
Choose a product that is long-lasting and made of BPA-free materials that can handle being hit. For better safety, it should be strong enough to withstand any shock that hits your smile.
Easy To Clean
Opt for a dental product that requires minimal upkeep in terms of cleaning. The material used should be one that can be easily cleaned and does not emit any unpleasant smells.
Lacrosse Mouth Guard for Different Ages and Genders
While mouth guards are generally intended for all athletes, it’s important to consider differences related to gender and age. A study examined the effects of mouth guards on concussion symptoms in boys and girls. Interestingly, the research revealed that boys were more likely to wear mouth guards, particularly in sports where they are mandatory, such as football and hockey. However, the study did not find a significant difference in concussion symptoms between boys and girls based on mouth guard usage.
In fact, for girls who wore mouth guards during their injuries, concussion symptoms during the first week were slightly worse compared to those who didn’t wear one. Despite this finding, the study still strongly supports the use of mouth guards for the prevention of dental injuries , even though they may not significantly reduce the likelihood or severity of concussions.
This underscores the importance of selecting a well-fitting mouth guard, especially when considering factors like age and gender. For children and younger athletes, a properly sized youth mouth guard is essential for both comfort and protection. Likewise, women’s mouth guards are specifically designed to accommodate smaller jaw structures, offering enhanced protection for female athletes.
Ultimately, regardless of age or experience level, wearing a mouth guard is crucial for safeguarding against dental injuries, even if it may not have a notable impact on concussion prevention.
Lacrosse Safety Tips
Staying safe in lacrosse is important for both practice and games. Here are some easy-to-follow tips to help players avoid injuries.
Before and During Practice:
- Get a Physical Checkup: Always have a sports physical before starting lacrosse to make sure you’re healthy and ready to play.
- Inspect the Field: Look over the field for any hazards like holes, trash, or broken glass. Keep extra equipment and balls well away from the playing area.
- Check the Goals: Make sure the goals at both ends of the field are safe and secure.
- Remove Jewelry: Take off all piercings and jewelry before playing to prevent accidents.
- Warm Up and Stretch: Always warm up and stretch your muscles before practice to avoid injuries.
- Learn Proper Techniques: Practice good techniques for stick-handling, shooting, and—if playing boys' lacrosse—body and stick checking. Many injuries happen from not following the rules.
- Stop if You’re Hurt: If you feel pain or get injured, stop playing and get checked by a coach or trainer before returning to the game.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after practice, especially on hot days.
- Know the Emergency Plan: Be familiar with the team’s plan for emergencies, so you know what to do if something happens.
- Play Different Sports: Try playing other sports throughout the year to prevent overuse injuries and give your body a break.
During Games:
- Follow the Rules: Stick to the safety rules you practice. Know and follow the game’s rules to avoid injuries.
- Respect Referees: Don’t argue with referees. Respect their calls to help keep the game safe and fair.
- Stay Calm After Collisions: If another player bumps into you or something goes wrong, stay calm. Let the referees handle it, and don’t start fights or react aggressively.
These simple safety tips can help you stay healthy and enjoy playing lacrosse safely.
Advantages of a Lacrosse Mouth Guard
Using a mouth guard during lacrosse offers several important benefits, including:
Safeguarding Against Injuries
Lacrosse is a fast-paced, contact sport, and even minor impacts can cause serious dental injuries, like chipped or fractured teeth or jaw pain. A mouth guard helps protect your teeth and face from these injuries, ensuring your smile stays intact.
Reducing the Risk of Concussions
In lacrosse, players often take hard hits to the head or jaw during aggressive plays. Such hits can cause concussions or worsen existing head trauma. Wearing a mouth guard helps absorb some of the impact, protecting your teeth and gums and lowering the risk of concussions.
Protecting Soft Tissues
A mouth guard not only protects your teeth but also shields the soft tissues in your mouth, such as your tongue, lips, and cheeks. In lacrosse, a strong hit to the face or biting down during high-pressure moments can cause cuts or injuries to these areas. A mouth guard acts as a cushion to prevent these types of injuries and keep your mouth safe.
How To Keep Your Mouth Guard Safe?
When it comes to protecting your smile, keeping your mouth guard clean is just as important as wearing it. Here are some simple steps to maintain its hygiene:
- Rinse With Water: Since your mouth guard stays in your mouth for extended periods, it’s crucial to keep it clean. Rinse it with water before placing it in your mouth to remove any germs. Be sure to repeat this after removing it to prepare it for the next use.
- Avoid Biting Your Guard: Many athletes tend to chew on their mouth guards during play, but this can damage the guard over time and reduce its ability to protect your teeth. Try to avoid this habit to keep your guard in good condition.
- Brush Regularly: Mouth guards can develop unpleasant odors due to being in your mouth. To prevent this, gently clean your guard with a soft-bristled toothbrush to ensure better hygiene and dental health.
- Store in a Case: After taking off your mouth guard, don’t leave it on an unclean surface. This could expose it to germs. Always store it in a plastic case to keep it clean and avoid losing it.
Following these steps will help keep your mouth guard in top shape, ensuring your smile stays protected.
Final Thoughts
In the end, wearing a mouth guard while playing lacrosse is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from injuries. Whether you're taking a hit or just playing hard, a mouth guard helps keep your teeth, jaw, and mouth safe. While it might not completely stop concussions, it can prevent painful and expensive dental problems. No matter if you're just starting or you're an experienced player, having a good-fitting mouth guard is key. It lets you play confidently, knowing your smile and health are protected. Don’t skip this important piece of gear—it’s worth it!
FAQs
A mouth guard protects your teeth and gums from injury during sports. It acts as a cushion, absorbing the impact of hits and reducing the chance of damage. Wearing a mouth guard helps protect your smile while you play.
You should replace your mouth guard every year for hygiene and effectiveness. Some players tend to chew or bite on their mouth guards, which can cause wear and reduce their protection, so getting a new one regularly is a good idea.
Yes, you can wear a mouth guard with braces. They can be custom-made to fit comfortably over your braces and still provide the necessary protection for your teeth and gums.
You should clean your mouth guard daily to prevent germs and bacteria buildup. Keeping it clean will help maintain better oral health.
Custom mouth guards are made specifically for your teeth using impressions of your mouth. This ensures a perfect fit, providing maximum comfort and protection.
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