May 05, 2022
Studies show that of all dental injuries, 13 to 39% are sports-related. Outside of obvious contact sports like boxing, American football, and rugby, mountain biking actually has a high number of mouth-related accidents. And out of all contact and non-contact sports mountain biking causes the 10th most dental injuries. Basically, every serious mountain biker knows a fellow rider who has sustained a traumatic injury to the teeth. Cycling tour guides should ask their customers to wear a mouthguard if they have one, comment from biketourscentralpark.com – company specializing in tourist trips in New York City. There is a good reason the International Dental Federation (FDI) categorizes biking as “high risk” and recommends mouthguards for bikers.
What is a mouthguard?
A mouthguard is also called a mouth protector, sports guard, or gumshield. It is a protective appliance that covers the teeth and gums to reduce the risk of trauma to the teeth, gingival tissue, jaws, and lips. They function by absorbing impact stress. This helps limit the amount of force transmitted to teeth, bone structure, and surrounding soft tissue.
Three types of mouthguards
Here are three main types of mouthguards:
1. Ready-made
Ready-made or stock mouthguards can be purchased at any sports store. While affordable, they do come in limited sizes and are not the most convenient or comfortable to wear.
2. Mouth-formed
Looking for an affordable but slightly customizable mouthguard? These are also called boil-and-bite mouthguards. They come in a general range of sizes and then athletes take them home, boil them, allow them a moment to cool, and then bite into the mouthguard so it forms to the shape of the teeth and mouth. These are slightly more comfortable and offer better protection than stock mouth guards.
3. Custom-made by a dentist
For athletes who want the best possible comfort and protection. This is what is recommended by both biking professionals and dentists. Custom fit is important to ensure good protection and allowing enough air through the airway of the cyclist
Common motives for avoiding mouthguard use
These are the three main arguments athletes use for not wearing a mouthguard:
1. Hindered communication
In some high-risk sports, communication is key and plays an important role in the teams’ and athletes’ abilities to succeed. But cycling and mountain biking are solo sports. Communication isn’t as necessary. And while older mouthguards were more cumbersome, modern devices allow for easier communication when necessary.
2. Discomfort
It is true that older mouthguards were bulky. They made it difficult to talk, but sometimes also hindered breathing and swallowing. Not ideal conditions for many athletes. But technology has advanced and these protective appliances are slimmer. They offer more protection while still allowing athletes to breathe, swallow, and even talk with ease. And what is more comfortable—wearing a mouthguard or dealing with a busted-up mouth?
3. Reduced performance
So many athletes point to reduced performance as a motive for not wearing a mouthguard. But numerous studies have been conducted in soccer, rugby, and cycling to look at the specific variables. Results indicate a mouthguard does not affect respiration, heart rate, oxygen consumption, or power outputs. The consensus was overwhelming.
Ultimately, there is no excuse. Sports and recreation activities are among the most common reasons for dental injuries. And many of these injuries are easily prevented with the use of a mouth guard, especially for cycling and mountain biking.