Mouthguards are all about safety, no matter which sport they're being utilized for, and ensuring your mouthguard meets the proper safety standards in the industry is naturally important. Which key mouthguard safety standards and certifications should you be aware of when shopping?
At Damage Control Mouthguards, we're proud to offer a wide range of the best mouthguards on the market, including custom mouthguards for a variety of sports. Here are some basic mouthguard safety standards and certifications to be cognizant of when selecting a mouthguard for any sport.
Recognized Mouthguard Safety Standards
Here are several of the most notable safety standards for mouthguards:
CE Certification
One of the most common certifications for mouthguards is CE certification, which stands for Conformité Européenne. This certification indicates that the product meets certain health, safety, and environmental protection standards set by the European Union. In order to obtain this certification, a manufacturer's products must go through extensive testing and quality control processes. While this seal isn't required in the US, it's present on many mouthguards and is a sign of quality.
ADA Seal of Acceptance
Another important certification to look for when choosing a mouthguard is the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This seal is issued by the American Dental Association and indicates that the product has been evaluated and deemed safe and effective by an independent panel of experts. The ADA Seal also ensures that the product's claims are supported by scientific evidence.
Be sure that any mouthguard you choose has the ADA Seal of Acceptance to ensure its quality and effectiveness in protecting your teeth.
Impact Testing
Another set of safety standards for mouthguards is impact testing. This involves subjecting the mouthguard to various forces and measuring its ability to absorb shock and distribute it evenly. Mouthguards that pass impact testing are able to reduce the risk of sports-related injuries such as concussions.
For instance, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has developed a standard for mouthguards to ensure they meet impact testing requirements.
Why Certification Matters
Both for athlete safety and performance, proper mouthguard safety certification is essential. Choosing a certified mouthguard means choosing a product that has been tested and proven to meet safety standards. It also ensures the proper fit and protection for the athlete's specific sport.
Certification can also provide peace of mind for both athletes and parents, knowing they are using a reliable and trustworthy product. Additionally, certain sports leagues or organizations may require participants to use only certified mouthguards in order to compete.
For instance, virtually all MMA or other fighting sports require the use of a certified mouthguard in order to protect against serious injuries such as tooth loss or jaw fractures. Many other contact sports, such as football, hockey, and lacrosse, also mandate the use of certified mouthguards for their players.
How Certified Mouthguards Differ From Non-Certified Versions
There are a few key areas where certified mouthguards differ from non-certified versions, and understanding these differences is crucial for ensuring your safety while participating in contact sports.
Material Quality: Certified mouthguards are made from high-quality materials that have been tested and approved by regulatory organizations. This means they are less likely to break or become damaged during use.
Proper Fit: One of the most important aspects of a certified mouthguard is its ability to fit properly in the user's mouth. This ensures maximum protection against impact and also increases comfort for the wearer.
Impact Absorption: Certified mouthguards are designed to absorb impact and distribute it evenly across the entire surface area of the guard. This helps to reduce the force felt by any one tooth or area of the mouth, reducing the risk of injury.
Customization: Some certified mouthguards can be customized to fit the user's specific mouth shape and size. This not only improves comfort but also ensures a snug and secure fit for optimal protection.
Breathability: Many certified mouthguards are designed with ventilation holes to allow for easy breathing while wearing them. This is important for athletes who engage in high-intensity activities that require frequent gasping for air.
As you can see, there are some important mouthguard safety standards and certifications you should be considering for any mouthguard, no matter which sport you or your child plays. And at Damage Control Mouthguards, we're here to offer a huge selection of certified mouthguards across numerous sports - contact us today to learn more about our products or get started!
