Rugby Mouth Guards: Protecting Players in New Zealand

Whether you're playing or practising on the field, you will eventually get hit hard. While rugby is all about quick thinking, team spirit, and manoeuvring tackles, one thing that you need to ensure is your dental safety. So, how can you pull your smashing moves on the field while protecting your radiant smile? If you are playing a rugby tournament or are a rookie, here is a comprehensive guide to help you make well-informed choices about sports dental protection in New Zealand.

Understanding a Mouth Guard

Dental injuries in contact sports are pretty common. It not only increases the risks of injuries but also diverts an athlete’s mind. A mouth guard is a dental device used to protect teeth during sports activities. They are composed of high-quality material to ensure maximum protection.

Why a Mouth Guard is a Must for Rugby

A durable mouth guard is crucial for safely playing rugby. It not only safeguards your teeth but also protects your gums and jaw from heavy-impact injuries. Without a mouth guard, you are open to dental trauma injuries ranging from dislodged teeth, jaw fractures, busted lips, and other dental trauma. Believe us, you don’t want a trip to the dentist before your match.

Mouth Guard Options: Which Is Best For You?

In the case of mouth guards , there are three categories: stock (generic), boil-and-bite, and custom-fit (tailored). Each type has its own set of advantages and drawbacks, so let’s explore them.

Stock (Over the Counter) Mouth Guard

Generic or stock mouth guards are premade, readily available, and offer limited protection. While they are affordable and easy to obtain, they don’t provide ideal dental impact protection or comfort. These are entry-level and might be a quick fix, but not ideal for rugby professionals.

Advantages

• Very affordable and easily available.
• Ideal quick-fix solution if you need a mouth guard immediately.

Disadvantages

• It does not offer an ideal fit, as these can become irritating, uncomfortable, and heavy
• Lower protection and are more likely to slip during the game

Boil and Bite Mouth Guard

Simply place your mouth guard into hot water to make it softer, then bite down on it to create your unique impression. This offers slightly better impact protection with improved fit, all at a reasonable price.

Advantages

• Readily available from major stores or online providers and affordable as well.
• Better custom fitting in comparison to a generic variety with lower costs.
• Provides improved protection for most rugby players.

Disadvantages

• Not as durable as a custom-type mouth guard (can easily wear out after 2 to 3 months).
• It might not provide an ideal snug fit, and you might need to remould it more frequently.

Custom Mouth Guards

If you want to enjoy the best protection for a rugby or boxing mouth guard, then a custom mouth guard is recommended. Your preferred dentist or mouth guard supplier will obtain your dental impressions and create a mouth guard tailored to your unique bite. Providing you with the best protection, durability, and comfort.

Advantages

• Offers a tailored fit so there is no chance of shifting or slippage during intense sports sessions.
• Provides the best possible protection against dental trauma.
• Comfortable wear and enhanced breathability without getting in the way of communication.

Disadvantages

• It’s more expensive than other mouth guard options, but it’s a valuable investment for safety!
• These might require a visit to the dentist, or you might need to provide dental impressions, so it’s not as quick as getting a generic mouth guard.

What Key Points to Consider in a Mouth Guard

Now that you understand the various types of mouth guards, what key points should you consider when choosing your ideal rugby mouth guard?

Custom Fit

Your custom mouthguards for rugby should provide a perfect fit. It should not be very loose, which will reduce its protection. A mouth guard should be comfortable to enhance airflow and allow you to communicate without issues. Custom and boil-and-bite mouth guards provide an ideal fit and comfort suitable for many rugby players.

Ultimate Protection

Not all mouth guards are crafted equally and provide a high level of protection from dental trauma. High-impact ruby professionals need sturdier and thicker mouth guards that can handle heavy blows. Tailor-made mouth guards also offer protection against jaw fractures, so always choose the best option according to your needs.

Enhanced Durability

Rugby is a serious and risky sport; you will need to secure quality mouth guards that can handle serious hits. Consider premium-quality materials (BPA-free) that can handle the wear and tear of frequent rugby play sessions. A high-quality mouth guard should be enough for an entire rugby season.

Enhanced Breathability

One of the major factors to consider is how well you breathe on the sports field. If a mouth guard is very bulky, it will reduce airflow, making it difficult for you to communicate with other players and reducing performance. Always choose a sports mouth guard that does not obstruct breathability, especially when playing sports like rugby.

Smilepath: Your Perfect Rugby Partner

Selecting the right rugby mouth guards is critical for ensuring your safety on the field. Whether you’re playing with friends or participating in a professional match, the ideal custom mouth guard NZ, such as those offered by Smilepath, will help you stay focused on your game.

So, what are you going to select? A custom-tailored sports mouth guard, a boil & bite, or a stock type? While each has different values associated with it, and it all depends on which one you prefer, at the end of the day, your precious teeth will thank you for valuing safety.

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