How to Choose the Right Hockey Mouthguard
Contents
- Why use a mouthguard?
- How to choose the right size mouthguard?
- How to choose the right type of mouthguard?
- What material should my mouthguard be made of?
- How do I care for my mouthguard?
- How often should I replace my mouthguard?
- What are the benefits of wearing a mouthguard?
- Are there any risks associated with wearing a mouthguard?
- How can I get the most out of my mouthguard?
- Troubleshooting – My mouthguard doesn’t seem to be working properly
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right hockey mouthguard This blog post will help you choose the right one for you, based on your level of play and personal preference.
Why use a mouthguard?
Mouthguards are an important part of protecting your smile while playing sports They can help prevent damage to your teeth, lips, tongue, and jaw. And in some cases, they can even help protect you from concussions.
There are three main types of mouthguards:
Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and ready to wear. They’re the least expensive option, but they’re also the least comfortable and don’t offer the best fit.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards can be molded to fit your teeth. They’re more comfortable than stock mouthguards, but they still don’t offer the best fit.
Custom-fit mouthguards are made from impressions of your teeth. They’re more expensive than stock and boil-and-bite mouthguards, but they offer the best fit, comfort, and protection.
When you’re choosing a mouthguard, look for one that’s comfortable, fits well, is easy to clean, and doesn’t restrict your breathing or speech. You should also make sure that it’s been cleared by the FDA for safety.
How to choose the right size mouthguard?
One of the most important pieces of equipment for a hockey player is a mouthguard. A properly fitting mouthguard can protect your teeth and gums from injury, and can even help prevent concussions. But with all the different sizes, shapes and brands on the market, how do you choose the right one?
The first step is to figure out what size mouthguard you need. Most brands offer three sizes: youth, adult and juvenile. To find the right size, hold the mouthguard up to your mouth and breathe in deeply. The mouthguard should cover your teeth and gums completely and should not restrict your breathing. If it does, it’s too small.
Once you’ve found the right size, you need to choose the right type of mouthguard. There are two basic types: stock and boil-and-bite. Stock mouthguards come in preformed sizes and offer good protection, but they can be uncomfortable to wear and can make it difficult to breathe. Boil-and-bite mouthguards are made of a softer material that you mold to your teeth using hot water These offer a better fit and are more comfortable to wear, but they may not offer as much protection as a stock mouthguard.
Finally, you need to decide whether you want a strapped or strapless mouthguard. Strapped mouthguards stay in place better but can be more uncomfortable to wear. Strapless mouthguards are easier to take in and out but may not stay in place as well during play.
Once you’ve considered all these factors, you’re ready to choose the right hockey mouthguard for you!
How to choose the right type of mouthguard?
Hockey is a contact sport so it’s important to wear the right type of mouthguard to protect your teeth and gums. There are three main types of mouthguards:
-Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and ready to wear. They’re the least expensive option, but they’re also the least comfortable and don’t offer the best fit.
-Boil-and-bite mouthguards are made from thermoplastic material that you soften in boiling water, then bite into to create a custom fit. They’re more comfortable than stock mouthguards and offer a better fit, but they’re not as good as custom-made mouthguards.
-Custom-made mouthguards are made by taking an impression of your teeth, then having a dental lab create a mouthguard from the impression. Custom mouthguards offer the best fit, comfort, and protection, but they’re also the most expensive option.
What material should my mouthguard be made of?
Mouthguards are made from a variety of materials, including latex, vinyl, silicone, and plastic. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Latex: Latex mouthguards are the most affordable option and can be easily customized to fit your teeth. However, they are not as durable as other materials and may cause allergic reactions in some people.
Vinyl: Vinyl mouthguards are also relatively affordable and easy to customize. They are more durable than latex, but may not fit as snugly.
Silicone: Silicone mouthguards are more expensive than latex or vinyl, but they offer the best fit and comfort. They are also very durable.
Plastic: Plastic mouthguards offer the best protection against impact, but they can be uncomfortable and difficult to customize.
How do I care for my mouthguard?
Mouthguards should be rinsed with cold water and soap after every use. Avoid hot water, as it can cause the mouthguard to warp. Place the mouthguard in a ventilated container to air dry. Some manufacturers sell carrying cases that have vents to allow the mouthguard to air out between uses. Never leave your mouthguard in direct sunlight, as this can also cause warping. You should also avoid storing your mouthguard in places where it can be exposed to extreme temperatures, such as a car on a hot day or in a freezer.
How often should I replace my mouthguard?
You should replace your mouthguard at least once per season, and preferably more often if it starts to show signs of wear. A good rule of thumb is to replace it whenever you get a new hockey stick – since sticks tend to last multiple seasons, this should ensure that your mouthguard is always in good condition.
What are the benefits of wearing a mouthguard?
There are many benefits to wearing a mouthguard, including protecting your teeth from damage, preventing concussions, and reducing jaw pain. Mouthguards can also help you breathe more easily and improve your performance in sports.
Are there any risks associated with wearing a mouthguard?
There are always risks associated with any type of athletic activity, and hockey is no different. One of the most important pieces of equipment that any hockey player can wear is a mouthguard. A mouthguard will help protect your teeth and gums from injury, and it can also help reduce the risk of concussions.
There are three main types of mouthguards:
stock mouthguards,
boil-and-bite mouthguards,
and custom-fit mouthguards.
Stock mouthguards are the least expensive option, but they are also the least effective. Boil-and-bite mouthguards are a step up from stock mouthguards, as they can be customized to fit your teeth more snugly. Custom-fit mouthguards are the most expensive option, but they offer the best protection and fit.
No matter which type of mouthguard you choose, it is important to make sure that it fits properly. If you have any questions about how to choose the right hockey mouthguard, or how to fit a mouthguard properly, please consult with your dentist or orthodontist.
How can I get the most out of my mouthguard?
There are a few things you can do to get the most out of your mouthguard and to make sure it lasts as long as possible. First, always rinse your mouthguard with cold water before and after each use. This will help remove any bacteria or debris that could cause it to break down. Secondly, store your mouthguard in a cool, dry place when you’re not using it. A dark, moisture-free cabinet or drawer is ideal. Finally, Inspect your mouthguard regularly for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or tears. If you notice any damage, replace your mouthguard immediately.
Troubleshooting – My mouthguard doesn’t seem to be working properly
There are a few reasons why your mouthguard might not be working properly. First, make sure that you have chosen the right type of mouthguard for your sport. There are three main types of mouthguards:
Stock mouthguards: These mouthguards come pre-formed and ready to wear. They are the least expensive option, but they are also the least comfortable and offer the least protection.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards: These mouthguards are made of thermoplastic material that becomes soft when boiled in water. You then bite into the softened material to help it take the shape of your teeth and gums. Boil-and-bite mouthguards are more comfortable than stock mouthguards and offer more protection than stock or customized options, but they may not fit as well as a custom-made guard.
Custom-made mouthguards: Customized guards are made from an impression of your teeth that is then used to create a model of your mouth. Custom guards offer the best fit, comfort, and protection, but they are also the most expensive option.
If you have selected the right type of mouthguard and it still isn’t working properly, there are a few things you can try:
1. Make sure that your mouthguard fits properly. It should be snug but not too tight, and it should cover all of your teeth. If your mouthguard is too loose, it can easily be dislodged during play; if it’s too tight, it can be uncomfortable and make it difficult to breathe.
2. If you have a boil-and-bite or stock mouthguard, try boiling it again and reshaping it to see if that helps with the fit.
3. Try different brands or models of mouthguards to see if one works better for you than another. Not all guards are created equal – some will fit better than others, even if they’re the same size and style