Should I Have a Mouth Guard for Volleyball?
While you may think of mouth guards as necessary for football or rugby, it’s important to protect your teeth during any sport that has a chance of contact. Over five million individuals lose teeth each year because of preventable sports injuries. Don’t let yourself become a statistic!
While mouthguards can’t prevent every type of dental injury, they do give you a high level of protection while playing sports. In addition to protecting your teeth, mouthguards can actually protect your jaw and head from concussions.
Do Volleyball Players Wear Mouthguards?
Yes—most professional athletes, including volleyball players, wear mouthguards during both games and practice. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends that athletes wear a custom-made mouthguard while playing any type of contacts sports. This includes volleyball.
For anyone who wears braces, this recommendation is especially important. Sustaining a mouth injury with braces can significantly complicate treatment.
Reasons to Wear a Mouthguard
There are many reasons to wear a mouthguard while playing volleyball. For starters, mouthguards protect your teeth from fractures and getting knocked out. Mouthguards also prevent bruising and jaw dislocation. At its most crucial, a mouthguard can even protect you from concussions and brain injuries.
One benefit of wearing a mouthguard usually goes unmentioned—wearing a mouthguard will give you peace of mind, so you can play your best knowing your mouth is protected.
Best Mouthguards for Volleyball
Before you decide on a mouthguard, you should meet with your orthodontist to discuss your options. Most orthodontists offer custom-fit mouthguards that are specially made to fit inside your mouth.
This type of mouthguard offers the greatest comfort and ultimately the highest level of protection.
You can also find stock-made or boil-and-bite mouthguards at your local sporting goods stores. These types of mouthguards offer some protection, but they won’t be nearly as effective as a custom-made guard.
Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation
If you’re looking for a custom-fit mouthguard to protect your teeth during play, trust the experts at Brooklyn Orthodontics. We take pride in providing all of our patients with the knowledgeable, compassionate care they need. We’re the best orthodontists in Brooklyn, Staten Island, and the surrounding boroughs.
Call us today at (718) 333-5898 to schedule an appointment at our offices in Brooklyn or Staten Island.