Sports mouthguards are essential protective devices, especially in contact sports like football, basketball, hockey, and martial arts, where theres a higher risk of oral injuries. A properly fitting mouthguard helps absorb impact, reducing the risk of tooth fractures, jaw injuries, and soft tissue damage to the lips, gums, and cheeks. However, mouthguards can sometimes failwhether from wear and tear, improper fit, or accidental damage. Knowing how to respond to a mouthguard failure is crucial to ensuring that you remain protected and avoid dental injuries during your activity. In this blog, well guide you through common reasons mouthguards fail, how to handle these failures, and steps to take to ensure youre still properly protected.
Common Causes of Sports Mouthguard Failures
Mouthguards can fail for a variety of reasons. Identifying the cause of the failure is key to addressing the issue quickly and effectively. Here are some common reasons why mouthguards fail:
Wear and Tear
Mouthguards are subjected to a lot of stress, especially during intense sports activities. Over time, the material can degrade, crack, or lose its shape, reducing its protective capability.
Improper Fit
A poorly fitted mouthguard can be uncomfortable, ineffective, and may not stay in place during activities. If the mouthguard doesnt fit correctly, it might fail to provide the necessary protection in the event of an impact.
Accidental Damage
Mouthguards can be damaged during a game or practice, such as by being bitten too hard, falling on a hard surface, or getting bent out of shape.
Inadequate Cleaning and Maintenance
If a mouthguard isnt cleaned and stored properly, bacteria can build up, leading to issues like foul odors, oral infections, or material degradation.
Improper Material
Some cheaper, lower-quality mouthguards may not offer the same protection as high-quality, custom-fitted ones. These can be more prone to tearing, losing their shape, or causing discomfort.
Immediate Steps to Take if Your Mouthguard Fails
If youre in the middle of a game or practice and your mouthguard fails, its important to respond quickly to avoid potential oral injury. Heres what to do:
1. Remove the Mouthguard
If the mouthguard is uncomfortable, damaged, or causing any kind of irritation, remove it immediately. Make sure to rinse your mouth with water to clear out any debris or bacteria that may have accumulated during the activity.
2. Assess the Damage
Check the mouthguard for visible damage, such as cracks, tears, or warping. If the fit has changed significantly, or if its no longer able to provide coverage, its a sign that the mouthguard has failed and is no longer offering proper protection.
3. Find a Temporary Replacement (If Needed)
If youre unable to replace the mouthguard immediately and are still in the middle of play, you may need to temporarily protect your teeth and gums with a different item. While this is not ideal, you can:
Use a Soft Cloth or Towel: If you don’t have a replacement mouthguard available, you can bite down on a soft cloth or towel for some makeshift protection while you seek a proper mouthguard.
Pause the Activity: If the game or activity allows it, temporarily stop the game to get a new mouthguard. Continuing to play without proper protection can lead to dental trauma or other injuries.
4. Check for Oral Injuries
After removing the mouthguard, inspect your teeth and gums for any injuries. Look for:
Cuts or Tears in the Gums: If your gums have been cut or irritated by the mouthguard or by impacts, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and apply gentle pressure to stop any bleeding.
Chipped or Broken Teeth: Check for any visible cracks, chips, or fractures in your teeth, especially if the mouthguard wasnt providing full coverage. If you notice significant damage, seek dental care immediately.
5. Use a Temporary Mouthguard if Available
If you have access to a spare or temporary mouthguard (such as a boil-and-bite mouthguard), use it until you can get a proper replacement. These mouthguards are designed to provide better protection than nothing but are not as effective as a custom-fitted guard.
6. Seek Immediate Professional Advice
If your mouthguard failure is associated with significant oral injuries (such as broken teeth, cuts to the gums, or intense pain), contact your dentist or visit an urgent care facility immediately. They can assess the damage and provide necessary treatment.
Preventing Future Mouthguard Failures
While mouthguards can fail from time to time, taking the following steps can help reduce the likelihood of this happening and ensure that you remain well-protected:
1. Ensure a Proper Fit
The most important factor in preventing mouthguard failure is ensuring that the mouthguard fits properly. If the mouthguard doesnt fit snugly in your mouth, it wont provide adequate protection.
Custom-Fitted Mouthguards: These offer the best protection because they are designed to fit your mouth perfectly, providing maximum comfort and protection.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: These are a good, affordable alternative, as they mold to your teeth once heated and can be customized to your mouth shape.
Avoid Over-the-Counter Guards That Dont Fit Properly: Generic mouthguards may not fit well and can be uncomfortable. Always choose a mouthguard that is tailored to your needs.
2. Inspect Your Mouthguard Regularly
Make it a habit to inspect your mouthguard regularly for signs of damage, wear, or deformation. If you notice cracks, tears, or that the material is no longer firm, replace it immediately.
3. Clean and Maintain Your Mouthguard
A dirty mouthguard can develop bacteria, cause unpleasant odors, and become less effective. Be sure to clean your mouthguard after each use.
Rinse Thoroughly: After each use, rinse the mouthguard with water and clean it with a toothbrush to remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria.
Store Properly: Always store your mouthguard in a clean, dry container to prevent damage and contamination. Avoid storing it in a warm, moist environment, which can cause the material to warp.
Disinfect Regularly: Once a week, disinfect your mouthguard using a mouthwash or denture-cleaning solution to eliminate bacteria and keep it fresh.
4. Replace Your Mouthguard Regularly
Over time, even well-maintained mouthguards will wear out, lose their shape, or degrade in quality. Replace your mouthguard every 6 to 12 months, or sooner if you notice that it no longer fits or provides adequate protection.
5. Use Mouthguards for Other Activities
If you or your child participates in multiple sports or physical activities, ensure you have a proper mouthguard for each one. Some sports, such as basketball or soccer, might also require mouthguards, so it’s important to wear one whenever theres a risk of impact.
When to Seek Professional Help
While you can handle minor mouthguard failures with quick action, there are certain situations when professional help is necessary:
Dental Trauma: If you experience a significant injury to your teeth, gums, or jaw after a mouthguard failure, seek immediate dental care. This could include broken teeth, deep cuts, or any signs of infection.
Severe Discomfort or Pain: If your mouthguard causes significant discomfort, soreness, or irritates the soft tissues of the mouth, consult with your dentist to ensure proper fit and comfort.
Conclusion
Mouthguard failures can occur during sports activities, but with quick action and a well-prepared emergency response plan, you can minimize damage and continue to protect your teeth and gums. Regular inspections, proper fitting, and maintaining your mouthguard will help prevent failures, while temporary solutions like using a spare or seeking immediate dental care can provide relief when accidents happen. Ensuring that you have a properly fitted, well-maintained mouthguard is the best way to protect your oral health during sports and prevent dental injuries.