Mouthguards are likely a mandatory part of your kit, regardless of what sport you play and at what level. The purpose of your mouthguard is to protect you from costly injuries, just as it is with your helmet or shin pads. How do you ensure that your mouthguard is providing you with the protection you need? Make sure the fit is right.
When it comes to being properly protected, the fit of your mouthguard is essential; but how can you check that it fits correctly?
The following tips will help you determine if your mouthguard fits properly:
Ensure its gag-free.
Something is clearly wrong with your mouthguard if it makes you gag. There is a common misconception about mouthguards that they need to cover all the upper teeth. It's false and partly responsible for your mouthguard making you gag. Your mouthguard must avoid the soft palate, the fleshy, flexible part on the back of the roof of your mouth, to prevent you from gagging. In other words, your mouthguard should end halfway between the end of the first molar and the middle of the second molar.
You don't have to worry, a properly cut mouthguard provides better protection, as too much material towards the molars makes the mouthguard more uncomfortable without providing any extra protection. This material also makes it difficult for you to open and close your mouth. The mouthguard should fit snugly against your upper teeth without requiring you to bite or clench it.
Avoid biting or clenching!
Your gumshield doesn't fit properly if you have to bite or clench to keep it in place. It should stay securely and tightly on your upper teeth without falling out or shifting. You shouldn't have to adjust or play with it on the field, court, or ice, as that may take your attention away from the game.
Make sure you can speak clearly.
Talking is another way to check the fit of your mouthguard. There should be no interference with your speech or breathing when wearing a gumshield, so if you are having trouble speaking or breathing clearly, your gumshield isn't the right fit. The material of your mouthguard should be limited or completely removed from the free flow space in your mouth, the area behind your front teeth and inside your molars. This allows you to speak, breathe, and even drink without having to remove your guard.
Root Protection
For your mouthguard to be effective, it needs to cover part of your gums while not covering your entire upper jaw. Mouthguards protect your gums from lacerations, and they also shield the roots of your teeth from damage. Although your guard covers your teeth, it doesn't mean the roots are protected and teeth cannot be dislodged by contact.
To conclude, the fit of your mouthguard simply needs to be comfortable. Mouthguards that feel uncomfortable are not protecting you properly.
Game Guard gumshield’s are easy to mould for a comfortable fit and only takes a couple of minutes. If your shield is not comfortable, then it has not been moulded properly. If the guard does not fit first time or needs to be adjusted, you can remould it again as outlined in the fitting guide, or it can be trimmed. We are so confident that you will achieve the perfect fit, that if you don’t, we guarantee to give you your money back.
Game Guard Gumshield:
Get the Perfect Fit or Your Money Back – Guaranteed
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