Mouth guards are an essential piece of protective equipment for football players. These athletes most commonly use plain white stock mouth guards, which are small, crescent moon-shaped pieces of plastic that usually have straps attached so that they can be secured to the helmet. Mouth guards are vital in protecting not only teeth, but saving players from more serious injuries as well.
Function
A mouth guard is designed to protect the teeth and soft gums in the mouth from damage when a player makes contact with another player or the ground. Mouth guards also play a role in helping prevent more serious injuries, such as concussions. A mouth guard keeps the lower jaw and upper jaw stable and locked into place, preventing the two from knocking against each other and transmitting force to the skull during a tackle, which could contribute to a concussion. Mouth guards can also help prevent jaw fractures.
Types
Mouth guards can be grouped into four categories: stock, boil and bite, custom-made and pressure-laminated. The stock mouth guard is perhaps the most generic and inexpensive type. These mouth guards are ready for use out of the package, but can be bulky and lack retention. Boil and bite mouth guards are made from thermoplastic material and soaked in hot water to soften the material. The player then bites down to create a customized mold. These mouth guards can lose their shape quickly, and thereby their protective qualities. Custom mouth guards are typically made by dentists and create a solid fit that provides retention, comfort and stability. Pressure-laminated mouth guards are also custom-made and contain several layers of ethylene vinyl-acetate, or EVA, to provide an extra snug fit.
Use
Generic mouth guards, such as the stock and boil and bite, can lose their shapes quickly from hard biting or chewing. Once a mouth guard loses its shape, its protective quality is jeopardized, so replace your mouth guard on a regular basis. A good way to check the mouth guard's functionality is to place it in your mouth and gently wiggle the strap back and forth and up and down. If the mouth guard moves around in your mouth, even slightly, it's time to get a new one. Any wiggle room indicates that the mouth guard is not securely fitted against your teeth and gums, which means it can be damaged during impact.
Regulations
Surprisingly, the National Football League does not make wearing mouth guards mandatory, though many former professional football players and sports analysts agree that the governing body should make them mandatory to protect players. ESPN analyst Mike Golic goes so far as to suggest the league conduct a study on which mouth guard manufacturer produces the best molded mouth guards. Mouth guards are required for play at the college level and, in general, at the middle and high school levels.
