Multiple Mouthguards: Benefits and Selection Tips

In part one of this two-part blog series, we looked at some of the common reasons why many athletes or others who participate in regular sports or activities often choose to keep multiple mouthguards available. There are a few reasons here, from playing multiple sports to regularly losing your mouthguard, or even for team affiliation purposes.

At Damage Control Mouthguards, we're here to provide a huge range of custom mouthguard options for a variety of needs, from MMA mouthguard and boxing mouthguard options to sports like football, basketball and more. Today's part two of our series will go over some of the general benefits of owning more than one mouthguard, plus some tips for selecting different mouthguards if you plan to maintain multiple.

Removing Stress About Losing a Mouthguard

One of the chief benefits of owning multiple mouthguards is that it helps remove some of the stress and anxiety associated with losing or damaging a single mouthguard. For athletes who rely on their mouthguard to protect their teeth and jaw during intense physical activities, the thought of misplacing or breaking a mouthguard can be a major source of worry.

With multiple mouthguards at your disposal, you can rest easy knowing that you always have a backup option in case something happens to one of them.

Convenience for Different Activities

Another advantage of owning multiple mouthguards is the convenience it offers for participating in different activities. As mentioned earlier, there are specialized options available for various sports and activities. By having more than one mouthguard, you can easily maintain optimal protection across different activities.

For instance, let's say you have a mouthguard specifically designed for basketball, but you also enjoy playing soccer. Instead of constantly switching out your mouthguard or risking using the wrong one, having two different options allows you to quickly grab the appropriate one for each activity. This not only saves time but also ensures that you are properly protected during physical activities.

Hygiene and Maintenance

Having multiple mouthguards also makes it easier to maintain proper hygiene and care for them. Mouthguards can accumulate bacteria from saliva, food particles, and even the environment they are stored in. It is essential to clean them regularly and store them properly to prevent any potential health risks.

By owning more than one mouthguard, you can rotate between them while one is being cleaned and dried. This ensures that you always have a clean mouthguard available for use. It also prolongs the lifespan of your mouthguards as they are not constantly in use and can dry out properly before being stored.

Additionally, having multiple mouthguards allows you to replace them when needed. Over time, mouthguards can wear down or become damaged from regular use. By having backups on hand, you can easily switch to a new one without interrupting your sports activities.

Customization Options

Having more than one mouthguard also gives you the opportunity to customize them according to your preferences and needs. While all mouthguards provide basic protection, some athletes may require additional features such as extra cushioning or a tighter fit. By having multiple mouthguards, you can experiment with different options and find the perfect one for your unique needs.

Types of Mouthguard Customization

Some common customization options for mouthguards include:

• Material: Mouthguards are typically made from either thermoplastic or polyurethane materials. Thermoplastic is more pliable and allows for easy molding to the shape of your teeth, while polyurethane offers a firmer fit.
• Thickness: The thickness of your mouthguard can also be customized based on the level of protection you need. Thicker mouthguards provide more cushioning, while thinner ones offer greater comfort and ease of breathing.
• Shape: Some mouthguards come pre-formed in a standard shape, while others can be molded to fit the specific contours of your mouth. Customized mouthguards provide a better fit and offer more protection against impact.
• Design: Mouthguards can also be customized with different designs and colors, making them more appealing for younger athletes or those who want to make a fashion statement.

Tips for Choosing Multiple Mouthguards

Most of the factors in choosing multiple mouthguards will be similar or even identical to choosing a single one. Here are a few to consider:

• Comfort: Naturally, you want your mouthguard to be comfortable. You’ll have to wear it for prolonged periods, and anything that’s too tight or rubs against your gums will begin to irritate them.
• Odor: If you’re using multiple mouthguards regularly, you’ll need some way of keeping them fresh. Some guards will resist bacteria better than others, so look into the odor control properties of each.
• Resilience: When choosing a single mouthguard, you should always check its durability. The same goes for when buying multiples - more guards means more potential wear-and-tear.
• Storage: Multiple mouthguards will take up space; make sure they come with a suitable storage solution. Some are designed to be compact and fit into a pocket or bag, while others may come with a case for protection.

At Damage Control Mouthguards, we're here to help you find the perfect custom mouthguard for your needs. Contact us today for our wide selection!