Getting the Bite on Mouthguards
Helmets, knee pads, shin guards…if you’re an avid athlete or the parent of one, you know the importance of proper protective gear. But did you know that up to 40 percent of all sports injuries involve the face? Protect your smile and your mouth with a comfortable, custom-molded mouthguard to dramatically reduce the risk of sports-related oral injury.
What is a Mouthguard?
A mouthguard is a comfortable piece of athletic gear that fits over your teeth and can help protect your smile as well as your lips, tongue, face, and jaw. New research indicates that mouthguards can even reduce the severity of concussions.
While hockey, boxing, and rugby players would obviously benefit from mouthguards, others, like bicyclists, weightlifters, and gymnasts, made the ADA’s list of athletes who need mouthguards. This may sound excessive, but studies show that 13 to 39 percent of all dental injuries are sports-related. Because the face is an important part of a person’s image, self-confidence, and sometimes success, it’s better to be safe than…toothless!
Before facemasks and mouthguards were required in football, half of all players’ injuries occurred in the mouth. During the playing season, players had a one in ten chance of mouth injury. Once high schools and colleges began requiring facemasks and mouthguards, the number of injuries reported dropped by 200,000 per year. Naturally, dentists and the ADA recommend mouthguards for adults and children in any recreational activity that poses the risk of injury to your mouth.
Types of Mouthguards
Ready-Made Mouthguards
You may have seen ready-made mouthguards in a department or sporting goods store. These generic mouthguards are inexpensive and readily available. Unfortunately, because they are not custom-fitted, they may seem bulky and uncomfortable in your mouth. Ready-made mouthguards are secured by closed jaws, which means, when an athlete wears a ready-made mouthguard, speaking and breathing may be difficult.
Mouth-Formed Mouthguards
If you’re looking for something more custom-fit to your mouth, you might consider mouth-formed mouthguards. Acrylic shell liner mouthguards provide a comfortable and secure fit over your natural teeth. Unfortunately, many users report that this mouthguard can have an unpleasant odor or taste. It can also harden over time and lose its flexibility. Another type of mouth-formed mouthguard, the thermoplastic style, can be customized by heating it in water, then biting it. It will take on the shape of your bite. While these maintain their flexibility, they can feel bulky.
JAW-DROPPING PERFORMANCE
Powered by ArmourBite™ Mouthwear Technology
Increases Strength
With improved airflow and less stress from clenching, UA Performance Mouthwear has been proven to increase strength by an average of 17% with the UA Performance Mouthpiece and 12% with the UA Performance Mouthguard.
Increases Endurance
UA Performance Mouthwear enlarges airway openings, resulting in 25% less lactic acid build-up after 30 minutes of intense exercise.
Speeds Up Reaction Time
Athletes may respond faster When wearing UA Performance Mouthwear. Clinical trials show an improvement in responding to auditory cues and potential improvement in response to visual cues.
Reduces Athletic Stress
Excess cortisol causes stress, fatigue, and distraction. UA Performance Mouthwear decreases cortisol production, which means you feel & play better.
Reduces Impact
When the jaw suffers an impact, energy can be transmitted to the head, which can cause a concussion. UA Performance Mouthguards have been shown to reduce the G-Force impact of blows to the jaw by up to 20%.
Protection and Performance
| FUll CONTACT | LIMITED CONTACT | NON CONTACT |
|---|---|---|
| Football | Basketball | Golf |
| Ice Hockey | Soccer | Running |
| Lacrosse | Baseball | Swimming |
| Boxing | Cycling | Weight Lifting |
| Martial Arts | Gymnastics | Yoga |
| Wrestling | Inline Skating | Pilates |
| Skiing | ||
| Tennis | ||
| Snowboarding | ||
| Volleyball | ||
| Softball |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- HOW DOES UA PERFORMANCE MOUTHWEAR DIFFER FROM MOUTHGUARDS?
Mouthguards provide protection. UA Performance Mouthwear, which includes mouthpieces and mouthguards powered by ArmourBite™ Technology, does more: It enhances performance. It is not only backed by some of the biggest names in pro sports, but it’s also recommended by dentists, pro trainers, strength coaches, and wellness experts. - WHO SHOULD USE UA PERFORMANCE MOUTHWEAR?
Hundreds of professional athletes are currently relying on the superior performance and protection benefits of UA Performance Mouthwear. But it isn’t just for pros-UA Performance Mouthwear is for all athletes who want to excel in their sport or activity. - HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT PRODUCT?
The UA Performance Mouthguard offers superior protection and its performance benefits and should be used in contact sports such as football, hockey, and lacrosse. The UA Performance Mouthpieces appropriate for non-contact and limited-contact sports such as running, soccer, baseball, golf, tennis, and training. - HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A CUSTOM PIECE OF UA PERFORMANCE MOUTHWEAR?
Once fitted, the orders typically take 10 days for delivery. Talk to your dentist about shipping options to receive your product sooner.
Custom-Made Mouthguards
The best solution, custom-made mouthguards that are comfortable, practical, and protective. A dentist or lab technician creates the custom-made mouthguard after taking impressions of your teeth.
Before you purchase any mouthguard, talk to your dentist. Special mouthguards or mouth protectors are recommended for patients with braces, removable bridges or dentures, a protruding jaw, or a cleft palate.
Mouthguard Care
Always wear your mouthguard during practice and games. Never chew on it because you may weaken the material and decrease its effectiveness. Holes, tears, and damage to the mouthguard may irritate your gums or soft tissue. If you notice damage, replace your mouthguard immediately.
Before and after each use, check your mouthguard for damage and rinse it with cold water or mouthwash. It would be best if you regularly clean your guard with a toothbrush and toothpaste or in a solution of soapy water. Be sure to rinse it well and store it in a firm, perforated container. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or high temperatures.
Most importantly, you should schedule regular dental check-ups, including one right before the playing season starts. When you see your dentist, bring your mouthguard and discuss any problems or concerns you may have.