Success in sports often pushes athletes towards larger areas of improvement. This typically involves developing skills, strength, and endurance. But you also need to consider other atomic areas of improvement. For instance, the British Cycling Team managed to win the Tour De France in 2012 due to, in large part, seemingly minor improvements in every possible aspect of training and cycle maintenance.
Similarly, the renowned cosmetic dentist in Scottsdale that residents rely on believes that a significant atomic improvement for athletes is performance mouthguards! Protecting teeth should be an essential aspect of any athlete’s routine. Performance mouthguards not only help in safeguarding oral health but also enhance your overall athletic performance. These custom-made protective devices are designed to fit comfortably, offering protection from tooth and jaw injuries, while reducing the risk of concussions and anxiety during play. Here’s how they help…
Protection Against Tooth Damage
In high-contact sports such as football, basketball, and hockey, collisions can cause significant dental trauma, including chipped, cracked, or even knocked-out teeth. Custom-made mouthguards cushion the teeth, reducing the impact of a hit or fall, and distributing the force evenly. This can prevent costly dental repairs, such as crowns or implants, and preserve your natural smile.
Protection from Jaw Injuries
While many people associate mouthguards with tooth protection, these devices also play a crucial role in protecting the jaw. Athletes are at risk of jaw fractures or dislocations during high-impact sports, particularly if the lower jaw takes a direct blow. A well-designed mouthguard acts as a cushion, helping to absorb and distribute the force that could otherwise cause severe jaw injuries.
Soft Tissue Protection
In addition to protecting teeth and jaws, performance mouthguards also safeguard the soft tissues of the mouth, including the cheeks, lips, and tongue. Without proper protection, an accidental blow to the face could cause these soft tissues to be punctured, bitten, or cut by the teeth. This can lead to painful injuries, increased bleeding, and possible infections.
Concussion Risk Reduction
Perhaps one of the lesser-known benefits of performance mouthguards is their ability to reduce the risk of concussions. While mouthguards do not prevent concussions outright, studies suggest that they help mitigate the impact that leads to head injuries. By cushioning the jaw and reducing the force transmitted to the skull, performance mouthguards can lower the likelihood of concussive injuries in contact sports.
Enhanced Athletic Performance
Another reason cosmetic dentists encourage the use of performance mouthguards is the potential for enhanced athletic performance. Many athletes report that wearing a well-fitted mouthguard increases their sense of balance and stability. The improved jaw alignment and reduced muscle tension provided by these mouthguards can enhance an athlete’s overall body coordination and efficiency.
Reduced Anxiety During Play
An often overlooked but important benefit of wearing a performance mouthguard is the reduction of anxiety during play. Athletes, especially those who have previously experienced dental injuries, may worry about damaging their teeth or jaws again. This anxiety can negatively affect their performance and cause hesitation or distraction during critical moments of the game.
Overall, a custom mouthguard can do wonders for the high-functioning athlete. Beyond protecting teeth from damage, mouthguards allow an athlete to focus fully on the game. This also saves potentially costly dental interventions later down the line.
Remember, in the world of sports, even the most marginal gains lead to major success later down the line! So don’t forget performance mouthguards. All you need to do is to reach out to a local dental expert and start the process immediately!
