21/02/2024
Sports Mouthguards - Choice to be made?
I had a recent experience with a sports mouthguard / gum shield my daughter needed for hockey training at her school. We got very short notice from our daughter regarding the mandatory status of the mouthguard, in her being accepted to participate in the game at school. I tried to suggest that a laboratory made one was far more reliable and customized and should she have time to come to the practice for a quick ‘scan’ of her teeth, we could get it back in a matter of days. The time frame was inadequate for the appliance / device to have come back before the scheduled day, so we (I under pressure) agreed to a visit to a local sports shop to purchase a DIY Gum shield / mouthguard. The type which one heats up in boiling water,and then is supposed to mould around one’s teeth. Once allowed to cool down, it is meant to retain that shape, and when worn, protect teeth from impact.
I was lucky I could convince her to still have a 3D scan of her teeth done, which was duly transmitted to our laboratory. We also made the DIY mouthguard at home in anticipation of the hockey training next day. The mouthguard was a decent fit, but quite tedious to mould, and she dutifully took it to school the next day. Unfortunately the training was cancelled due to bad weather. This allowed time for the lab made one to come back. My daughter, once having tried both the mouthguards, has not gone back to the DIY one, yet!
With the days getting longer and the children increasingly having more opportunity to play outdoors, and involving impact sports, there is increasing need to have awareness and availability of protective gear, including mouthguards / gum shields. There are ofcourse the DIY ones described above, which are relatively inexpensive. The mouthguards made at the Dental Practice can sometimes be over 5 times more expensive. However the factors to consider would be whether the appliance fits well, is comfortable, is retained in the mouth without dislodging and fitness for purpose. Would the child wear it for long and will it protect the teeth and gums from impact.
Price is a major deterrent, as one could buy over 5 DIY gum shields for the price of a laboratory made one. However as the lab made one is customized to the individuals teeth, it is more likely to fit well, last longer, be better tolerated and do what it is meant to do. Protect teeth and gums, if there was an impact. One would think twice before buying a cheap DIY helmet for example. Similar considerations need to go into appliances like gumshields / sports mouthguards. Ultimately in the current climate, price does play a role, and it is a decision unique to each family. However what the above incident demonstrated to me, was that dental laboratory made gumshields / mouthguards are almost certainly more reliable that DIY ones. Also, if there was a problem, once could go back to the dental practice. Sports shops don’t take back ill-fitting DIY gum shields.
Wish you and your family happy and safe sports!
Dentally Yours,
Abhijeet Kulkarni
