Every season, there is a 10% chance that an athlete will get an injury to their mouth, face, or jaw. Even though these odds might seem reasonable, one injury could put you out for the whole season. Choosing the right mouthguard is, therefore, essential to reducing the risk of injury.
Good job, that's the first step. Now comes the second step: learning how to protect it. Even if you buy the best mouthguard on the market, you won't benefit from it if you don't take care of it.
Here are some tips for making the most of your gum shield.
Find your perfect fit.
Your mouthguard should be the right size for your mouth. Ill-fitting gum shields are not only uncomfortable but also less effective. When fitted properly, a mouthguard will mould to your teeth and gums, balancing comfort and protection.
Parents must prepare themselves to replace gum shields as their children grow. It is imperative to protect children's teeth from an early age, as the development of adult teeth happens between the ages of six and seven, but one size won't fit forever.
Adult teeth are important and should be protected, but the same can be said at any age. In the meantime, you can still purchase Mouthguard Injury Preventiontitive prices whilst maintaining a custom fit or your money back. Self-fitting mouthguards offer the best of both worlds.
Different sports also bring different impacts, so they require different protection. When choosing a mouthguard, always make sure it is suitable for the sport you play.
Chewing should be avoided.
It can be a comforting habit to chew on your mouthguard during high-pressure moments on the pitch.
However, chewing on your gum shield could cause it to tear or break. If it's in two pieces, it won't protect you. Tears or scratches can also be left on it. As a result, they will accumulate bacteria and become unhygienic. No amount of scrubbing or cleaning will remove bacteria that has penetrated below the surface.
Keep it Clean.
A gum shield spends most of its time inside your mouth. In addition to preventing bacteria from transferring, you also want to prevent your own bacteria from damaging the mouthguard. Rinse your mouthguard before and after each use. After every use, you should also thoroughly clean it.
You should not clean your gum shield with toothpaste, mouthwash, or your toothbrush. Even though it seems like common sense, it can be harmful. Mouthwash and toothpaste will damage the mouthguard's material and hinder its protection. Brushing will scratch the surface, causing similar problems as chewing.
If your mouthguard does not already come with a case, invest in one to keep it protected when not in use. If it's been rolling around in dirt and crumbs in the bottom of your bag, you won't want to put it in your mouth! You should also clean your case once a week. Cleaning a mouthguard is pointless if it sits in a dirty case.
Because your mouthguard is an investment in your health, it is also important to take good care of it. It is crucial to keep your gum shield clean, protected, and intact to ensure it can continue to protect you.
Here at Team Game Guard, we have a wide range of CE-approved self-fit, custom, boil and bite gumshields suitable for all contact sports. Our High Quality, British made gumshields make a great choice or very reliable spare. Check out our range here.
Stock up now and stay safe this Season
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