How Mouthguards Help Prevent Jaw Fractures in Contact Sports

Much of the goal of mouthguard use during sports is injury prevention, and there are several forms of injury that a quality mouthguard helps guard against. Jaw fractures are a good example - how does mouthguard jaw protection help avoid these significant jaw injuries?

At Damage Control Mouthguards, we're proud to offer the very best selection of custom mouthguards for any need, including contact sports like hockey, football, MMA and more. Here are some basics on how jaw fractures and related injuries work, plus how mouthguard jaw protection helps guard against them - and the importance of choosing an ideal mouthguard for these needs if you play a contact sport.

Anatomy of a Jaw Injury

To fully understand how the right mouthguard helps protect you from possible jaw fracture injuries, it's important to have a basic grasp of how these injuries work in the first place. A direct hit or blow to the jaw can cause a fracture in one of its many bones, including the mandible and maxilla. These fractures can range from minor cracks to complete breaks, depending on the force of impact.

In some cases, a jaw injury may also involve damage to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull. This type of injury can result in difficulties with chewing, speaking and even opening or closing your mouth.

Why Certain Sports Have Higher Risk

As you may imagine, certain particular contact sports tend to have the highest risks for these kinds of injuries. Sports like hockey, football and various MMA (mixed martial arts) disciplines often lead to a greater probability for fractures, dislocations and other injuries.

The reasons for this are simple: these sports are highly physical and involve a lot of direct contact between players. Additionally, the rules and equipment for these sports often allow for more intense or violent forms of play, which can increase the likelihood of injury.

How Mouthguard Jaw Protection Fights These Risks

Luckily, a quality mouthguard offers protection against these risks. The primary way it does this is by distributing force and impact evenly throughout the jaw and skull, reducing the chances of a fracture or dislocation. The pressure from impact is also spread out over a larger area, minimizing the risk of damage to specific teeth.

In addition, a mouthguard can help stabilize the TMJ and prevent any further damage in case of an injury. It acts as a cushion between the upper and lower jaw, absorbing shock and preventing excessive movement that could aggravate any existing injuries.

Moreover, wearing a mouthguard can also reduce the likelihood of soft tissue injuries inside the mouth, such as cuts or bruises on the lips, cheeks, or tongue. This is especially important for people who participate in contact sports where there is a high risk of direct impact.

Importance of Proper Fit and Shock Absorption Qualities

When selecting a mouthguard for any kind of contact sport where jaw fractures or related jaw injuries are possible, it is important to ensure that the mouthguard has a proper fit and sufficient shock absorption qualities. A poorly fitting mouthguard can increase the risk of injury, as it may not provide adequate protection or could even cause its own damage during impact.

Additionally, high-quality mouthguards are designed with materials that absorb and distribute the force of an impact, reducing the amount of shock that reaches the jaw. This minimizes the risk of fractures or other injuries. Ensure that any mouthguard you choose contains multiple layers of shock-absorbing materials, such as high-density foam or a combination of hard and soft materials.

Differences in Protection Between Custom and Boil & Bite Mouthguards

When it comes to contact sports and significant injuries like jaw fractures, the level of protection that a mouthguard provides can make all the difference. This is where custom and Boil & Bite mouthguards differ.

Custom mouthguards, as the name suggests, are specifically designed to fit your teeth and mouth shape. They are made from precise molds taken by a professional, ensuring a perfect fit. This level of customization not only provides maximum comfort but also offers optimal protection against impacts.

On the other hand, Boil & Bite or "one-size-fits-all" mouthguards may not offer the same level of protection as they do not conform to an individual's specific bite and jaw structure. While they may be more affordable, they are less effective in preventing serious injuries such as jaw fractures. For these reasons, custom fit mouthguards tend to be the preference for all contact sports.

At Damage Control Mouthguards, we're here to help with all your mouthguard jaw protection needs for any contact sport. Contact us today to get started!