Concussions are some of the most notable injuries that can occur in football, and football players at all ages are always advised to take concussion prevention protocols during play. What role do football mouthguards play here, and in related forms of protection for your head and mouth?
At Damage Control Mouthguards, we're proud to offer the very best football mouthguards on the market, including custom design options meant to fit directly to the wearer's mouth and optimize their protection. Here are some basics on what research says about football mouthguards and concussions, plus some other related injury types, and why it's vital to choose a well-fitting mouthguard when playing this impact sport.
What Research Says About Mouthguards and Football Injuries
One area where research on football mouthguards is very detailed is in their ability to reduce the frequency of dental injuries. Many different pieces of research have clearly shown that, indeed, well-fitted mouthguards do help prevent chipped, cracked, and even dislocated teeth.
But what about other injuries? Concussions are a particular concern in contact sports like football. While there have been some studies on the effectiveness of mouthguards in preventing concussions, results have been mixed. Some studies suggest that wearing a mouthguard can slightly reduce the risk of concussion, while others show no significant difference.
Mouthguards Stabilize and Absorb, But Don't Prevent
This research has generally revealed that football mouthguards are able to effectively absorb energy from impacts and stabilize the head. However, this does not necessarily mean that they are able to prevent concussions altogether. Research has also shown that a football player's helmet is the most important piece of protective equipment when it comes to preventing concussions.
This doesn't mean the mouthguard has no effect whatsoever. In fact, mouthguards can help reduce the risk of concussions by providing a cushion between the upper and lower teeth, which in turn can reduce the force applied to the jaw and head. Additionally, they can also help prevent injuries such as broken or chipped teeth, cuts to the lips and cheeks, and damage to orthodontic appliances.
But overall, it's important to realize that while a mouthguard has great utility and is vital for football, it alone will not prevent a concussion.
Why a Well-Fitting Mouthguard Matters
Both for concussions and other forms of injury to the head or jaw, a well-fitting mouthguard is crucial. The mouthguard serves as a cushion for the teeth and jaw, absorbing and distributing the force of impact away from vulnerable areas. This reduces the likelihood of injury to those areas.
But what makes a mouthguard "well-fitting"? First and foremost, it should cover all upper teeth and fit snugly against them, without hindering breathing or speech. It should also stay in place during physical activity and not require constant readjustment. A custom-fit mouthguard made by a dentist is often recommended for optimal fit and protection.
Other Measures for Concussion Prevention
While a properly fitting mouthguard can help somewhat reduce concussion or related risks, it cannot prevent them entirely (as we've gone over). Here are some additional strategies that can help prevent concussions in football:
Proper protective headgear: Helmets should be worn for all high-impact sports, especially those with potential head and neck injuries, such as football, hockey, or lacrosse.
Proper technique: Learning and using proper techniques can significantly reduce the risk of concussions. For example, tackling properly in football or heading the ball correctly in soccer can help avoid unnecessary impact to the head. Coaches and trainers should emphasize and enforce proper techniques to their players.
Regular health check-ups: Athletes, especially those in high-impact sports, should undergo regular health check-ups to ensure they are physically fit to participate. Any underlying medical conditions or previous injuries should be addressed before allowing them to play.
Rest and recovery: Adequate rest and recovery time between practices and games is crucial for preventing concussions. Overworked athletes are more prone to fatigue, which can increase the risk of injury.
Education: It's important for coaches, parents, and athletes themselves to have a good understanding of what concussions are and how to prevent them. This includes recognizing the signs and symptoms of a concussion and knowing the appropriate steps to take if one occurs.
At Damage Control Mouthguards, we're here to offer the best football mouthguards on the market. Contact us today to learn more about our various options and how our mouthguards help protect from various injury types in this high-impact game!
