It is imperative that any athlete wear the proper mouthguard during competitions and training.
There are a variety of these protective devices to choose from, and it is important to select yours based on the sport you play and level of contact it involves.
The following list of options will help you choose the best protection for your lifestyle.
The most inexpensive ones on the market are called "stock mouthguards", and can be found at most sporting goods stores.
Stock mouthguards offer the least protection, though, and they should not be used for frequently intense training and competing.
They cannot be adjusted to conform to your teeth, and are thus more likely to pinch the gums or easily fall off.
Either way, they can easily distract you from your athletic activity, and therefore have a negative effect on your performance.
Another kind that can be found at sporting goods stores is the "Boil and Bite" variety.
They are slightly more expensive than stock mouthguards, but also offer a significant amount of protection and support.
When combined with hot water, these can be adjusted to fit your teeth, bite, and gums.
It is advisable to have a dentist help you fit them, but you can always adjust them yourself if you develop discomfort.
The most expensive option is also the best option when it comes to mouthguards.
They are custom-fit, and can only be made through your dentist.
Your dentist will first take an impression of the maxillary teeth, which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the mouthguard is prepared.
The thinnest option which still provides ideal protection is the triple laminate.
It allows for sufficient air intake, can be easily adjusted, and is often considered the most comfortable.
Recent studies have shown that custom-fit mouthguards should engage all the maxillary teeth and extend from molar to molar.
It used to be that custom-fit ones only protected a fraction of the teeth in the mouth, but this often let to fractures during competitions.
The newer variety may take longer to grow accustomed to, but are also far more likely to protect your mouth.
Obviously, the quality of the protection you receive is dependent on the quality of the option you purchase.
That being said, it is not necessary to invest in an expensive custom-fit mouthguard unless your athletic activity engages in a great deal of contact.
Rugby, hockey, and lacrosse are the sports that often require the most mouth protection.
It is up to you to decide which method of protection works best.
Also, some athletes fail to recognize that they need a mouthguard at all.
Although some sports don't entail contact with other players, it might still be beneficial to your health to wear one.
Many runners and cyclists grind their teeth while competing, and a the most basic protection will help defend their teeth from permanent damage.