Best Mouthguards are essential protective devices designed to reduce the risk of injury to the teeth, jaw, and soft tissues in the mouth. Whether used for sports, bruxism (teeth grinding), or orthodontic protection, mouthguards play a crucial role in safeguarding oral health. But how exactly do they work, and what makes them so effective? In this article, we'll delve into the science behind mouthguards and explore how they offer protection from dental injuries and trauma.

How Mouthguards Work: The Basics:

At its core, a mouthguard serves as a cushioning barrier between the upper and lower teeth, as well as between the teeth and soft tissues like the gums, cheeks, and tongue. By absorbing and distributing the force of impacts, mouthguards help minimize the risk of damage during physical activities or habitual behaviors like grinding teeth at night.

The key mechanisms by which mouthguards provide protection include:

Shock Absorption: Mouthguards are made from soft, pliable materials that can absorb and disperse the energy from a blow or impact. This prevents the force from being concentrated in one area and reduces the likelihood of broken or chipped teeth.

Force Distribution: Instead of allowing the force of an impact to be focused on a single tooth or area of the jaw, mouthguards spread the force across a wider surface. This helps reduce the pressure on specific teeth and minimizes the risk of fractures, dislocations, or other dental injuries.

Protection Against Soft Tissue Injury: Mouthguards also act as a physical barrier between the teeth and soft tissues like the gums, cheeks, and tongue. In contact sports or accidental falls, this helps prevent cuts, bruises, or lacerations caused by the teeth coming into contact with the soft tissues of the mouth.

Types of Mouthguards:

Different types of mouthguards offer varying levels of protection depending on the activity or condition they are designed to address:

Stock Mouthguards: These are pre-formed and ready to wear. While they are the least expensive option, they often fit poorly and offer minimal protection since they can't be customized to the wearer’s mouth.

Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: These mouthguards are softened in boiling water and then molded to the user’s teeth. They provide a better fit than stock mouthguards and are widely used for sports or bruxism.

Custom-Made Mouthguards: Created by a dentist based on a precise impression of the wearer’s teeth, custom mouthguards offer the highest level of comfort and protection. They are ideal for athletes in high-impact sports and individuals with specific dental conditions like braces.

Protective Capabilities of Mouthguards:

1. Protection Against Dental Trauma:

The most direct benefit of wearing a mouthguard is the protection it offers against dental injuries. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), athletes who don’t wear a mouthguard are 60 times more likely to suffer dental trauma, including broken teeth, fractured jaws, and soft tissue injuries.

When a direct blow to the face occurs, the impact energy is transferred to the mouth, where it can damage teeth and surrounding structures. The soft material of a mouthguard absorbs a portion of this impact energy, reducing the force transferred to the teeth and lowering the risk of fractures, chips, or tooth loss.

2. Preventing Jaw Injuries:

Mouthguards help protect not just the teeth but also the jaw and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). By creating a cushion between the upper and lower teeth, they reduce the likelihood of jaw dislocations or fractures. They also help mitigate the shock that could otherwise travel through the skull and potentially cause concussions.

Studies have shown that mouthguards may help decrease the incidence of jaw fractures by preventing the teeth from clashing together during high-impact events.

3. Reduction in Concussion Risk:

While mouthguards are primarily designed to protect the teeth, research suggests that they might also reduce the risk of concussions, though evidence on this is mixed. A properly fitted mouthguard can absorb some of the energy from a blow to the jaw or face, preventing it from being transmitted to the brain.

A 2014 study published in The Journal of the American Dental Association found that high school football players who wore custom-made mouthguards had a lower rate of concussions compared to those who wore standard, over-the-counter mouthguards.

4. Minimizing the Impact of Bruxism:

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a condition that affects many people, especially at night. Over time, grinding can wear down tooth enamel, leading to pain, sensitivity, and even fractures. A nightguard (a specialized mouthguard for bruxism) acts as a buffer between the upper and lower teeth, preventing damage caused by grinding.

Nightguards are usually custom-made to fit comfortably while sleeping and to evenly distribute the pressure from grinding, thereby reducing its harmful effects on teeth and the jaw.

5. Protecting Orthodontic Work:

For individuals with braces or other orthodontic appliances, mouthguards are essential to avoid injury. In high-impact activities, the metal components of braces can cause significant damage to the soft tissues of the mouth if a hit occurs. Special orthodontic mouthguards are designed to fit comfortably over braces while still providing ample protection to both the teeth and the gums.

Material Science: What Makes a Good Mouthguard?

The protective capabilities of mouthguards depend largely on the material used. Most mouthguards are made from thermoplastic materials, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), which become soft and moldable when heated but firm up once cooled.

Key material properties include:

Shock Absorbency: The softer the material, the better it is at absorbing shock. However, the mouthguard must still be firm enough to resist biting through and hold its shape during use.

Durability: Mouthguards need to withstand repeated impacts and wear over time, especially for athletes or individuals who grind their teeth. The best materials resist tearing, puncturing, or becoming brittle.

Flexibility: A flexible mouthguard allows for comfort while still maintaining its protective properties. This is crucial for ensuring that athletes can still talk and breathe while wearing it.

The Role of Fit in Protection:

A mouthguard’s ability to protect is highly dependent on its fit. An ill-fitting mouthguard may slip, shift, or cause discomfort, reducing its effectiveness. Custom-fit mouthguards, made from an impression of the individual’s teeth, provide the best protection as they stay in place securely and offer optimal shock absorption.

Conclusion:

Mouthguards are a proven and effective tool for protecting teeth, jaws, and soft tissues from injury, whether in contact sports, during sleep for bruxism, or for individuals with orthodontic appliances. Through the combination of shock absorption, force distribution, and a customized fit, mouthguards significantly reduce the risk of dental trauma and help maintain oral health. Their protective capabilities are supported by science, showing that they are an essential piece of equipment for athletes and those with special dental needs. By understanding the science behind them, users can ensure they are getting the most out of this protective device.