What Types Of Mouthguards Are Best For Sports?

Mouthguards are an important part of any athlete’s dental health. That’s because they can help prevent sports-related injuries like concussions and toothaches. But only some mouthguards are created equal, and it is crucial to know the different types before choosing mouthguards near you.

What are Mouthguards?

Mouthguards are used to protect the teeth and mouth during sports. They can be made from either hard plastic or soft material and custom-fit or ready-made. Some mouthguards have straps that go around the head, while others have no straps but are worn over braces or dental work.

Types of Mouthguards

Mouthguards in Bloomfield, CT, come in a variety of types.

• Ready-made mouthguards

Ready-made mouthguards can be purchased at most sporting goods stores for around $15-$30. They’re made from a soft, flexible polyvinyl acetate (PVA), making them easy to use and comfortable during play sessions.

The drawback is that you might not feel like you have enough control over your mouth guard if it’s too big or too small for your particular face shape—which may lead to additional problems such as heat rash if sweating builds up inside the mask due to lack of ventilation holes created by some brands’ designs

• Boil and bite

The boil and bite mouthguard is a type of mouthguard made from a soft material that can be shaped to fit your mouth by placing it in hot water for a few minutes. The process involves boiling the plastic, then biting into it before it cools down. This makes for an inexpensive option for sports players who don’t want to spend much money on their equipment or want something easy to clean up after a game.

• Custom-made

Custom-made mouthguards are your best bet if you’re looking for the best mouthguard for sports. They’re made from a mold of your teeth so that they fit perfectly with whatever uniform your sport requires.

Custom-made mouthguards can be expensive; however, they’re worth it if you want an exact fit that won’t slip around or fall out during playtime.

Which Type of Mouthguard is Ideal for Sports

The sport you play, and your age will determine which type of mouthguard is right for you. However, custom-made mouthguards are the most ideal. The customized mouthguards come in different types, and they include:

• Aero Mouthguards

The built-in ventilation on these masks will allow maximum airflow during sports like basketball or netball. These sports typically have less protection than football or rugby, but you must wear a mouthguard to avoid serious injury.

The mouth protectors have a thin design and are less visible than bulkier models, providing better breathing as you can breathe through your nose. It’s also great for athletes who prefer a lighter mouthguard than what’s normally available.

• Starter Mouthguards

Starter mouthguards are the least expensive and least invasive type of mouthguard. They are made of a soft foam material molded to fit your teeth. They come in different sizes and colors, making them easy to match with any sports gear you might be wearing at the time. It is crucial to consult a pediatric dentist in Bloomfield, CT, on which type is ideal.

These guards are designed for younger athletes (usually ages 6-12), but they can also help protect older athletes from injury.

• Pro Mouthguards

Pro Mouthguards are the most expensive and most durable mouthguards on the market. They are custom-made by a dentist, meaning they are made exactly to your mouthguard’s specifications. Pro Mouthguards are more comfortable than other types of mouthguards because they have more space between each piece of plastic, allowing for air circulation.

Pro mouthguards can be used for all sports but tend to be most protective when worn during contact sports such as football (soccer), hockey, or lacrosse because of their high level of protection against impact trauma.

• Extreme Mouthguard

Extreme mouthguards are made from a hard plastic material and offer the best protection. Extreme mouthguards can be very difficult to fit correctly, so they will only last for a short time as other options.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Bloomfield Pediatric Dentistry for more information about mouthguards and how they work.