Helena Frye
Mouthguards are an essential piece of equipment in lacrosse, a sport that is growing in popularity and is characterised by its fast-paced and physical nature. The primary purpose of a mouthguard is to prevent dental injuries, and they are required in almost all lacrosse leagues. While mouthguards do not directly prevent concussions, studies show that they can help to absorb shock and reduce the severity of impacts to the jaw and skull. Custom-fitted mouthguards are considered the most comfortable option, but they can be expensive. Boil-and-bite mouthguards are a cheaper alternative, but they may not fit as well. Mouthguards with straps are also available, which can be useful to prevent the mouthguard from falling out or getting lost, but they can be annoying during drills or in non-contact situations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mouthguards for lacrosse | Essential for players at every level |
| Prevent sports-related dental injuries | |
| Help absorb shock and reduce the severity of impact to the jaw and skull | |
| Required in nearly all leagues | |
| Highly recommended even in pick-up or non-check formats | |
| Available in different colours | |
| Can be strapped to the helmet or kept in the mouth | |
| Can be custom-fitted by a dentist or moulded at home | |
| Can be cleaned with cold water and a toothbrush or in a dishwasher | |
| Can be remoulded as needed | |
| Have antibacterial properties | |
| Can be worn with braces | |
| Mouthguards for basketball | Perceived as a device to prevent dental injuries |
| Perceived as unattractive to wear during competitions | |
| Boil-and-bite mouthguards are the most popular | |
| Customized mouthguards are believed to involve work by a dentist and a laboratory, increasing the waiting time and cost |
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What You'll Learn
Mouthguards are essential in lacrosse
Mouthguards are an essential piece of protective equipment in lacrosse, a sport that is fast-growing in North America and is characterised by its fast pace and physicality. Mouthguards are highly recommended for players of all levels, from youth leagues to the NCAA and MLL, and are required by nearly every major league. While helmets and pads are standard, mouthguards are often overlooked, but they are critical for protecting players from dental injuries and reducing the severity of impacts to the jaw and skull.
The primary reason to wear a mouthguard when playing lacrosse is to prevent dental injuries, which are highly prevalent among athletes, and to protect against high-impact collisions. A properly fitted mouthguard can help absorb shock and reduce the force of impact to the head, jaw, and teeth. Lacrosse is a fast-paced and physical sport with frequent stick checks, accidental collisions, and flying balls, all of which can result in tooth loss or other dental injuries in the absence of a mouthguard.
There are several options available when it comes to choosing a mouthguard for lacrosse. Custom-fitted mouthguards, which are typically created by a dentist or orthodontist, offer a precise and comfortable fit, but they may be more expensive and time-consuming to obtain. Mouldable or boil-and-bite mouthguards, on the other hand, are more accessible and affordable, allowing players to mould the guard to their teeth by soaking it in hot water and then biting down. These mouthguards can also be remoulded if needed. Some companies, like Game On Mouthguards, offer customisation and colour options, allowing athletes to showcase their personality during games.
When selecting a mouthguard, it is important to consider factors such as protection, comfort, and breathability. Higher-end mouthguards, like the Shock Doctor, offer superior protection but may be more challenging to mould for clear speaking. Some players opt for cheaper alternatives, such as the basic $1 or $2 mouthguards, which can provide a good fit and clear speaking abilities after moulding. Additionally, it is worth considering the use of straps to secure the mouthguard and prevent it from falling out during play.
Overall, mouthguards play a crucial role in protecting lacrosse players from dental injuries and reducing the impact of collisions. By selecting a mouthguard that offers a comfortable fit, breathability, and protection, players can ensure they are well-equipped to confidently take on the challenges of this demanding sport.
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Custom-fit mouthguards are the most comfortable
Mouthguards are an essential piece of equipment for lacrosse players. The sport involves high-impact moments, accidental collisions, and flying balls, which can result in dental injuries. While store-bought mouthguards are available, custom-fit mouthguards offer superior comfort and protection.
Custom-fit mouthguards are crafted based on precise dental impressions, ensuring an optimal fit that adapts to the unique needs of each athlete. They are designed to be slim and laser-precise, with dual-layer impact protection. This allows for unimpaired speaking and breathing during gameplay. The precise fit of custom mouthguards also enhances protection for the teeth, jaw, and soft tissues, reducing the risk of sports-related dental and brain injuries.
The superior fit of custom-fit mouthguards ensures that they stay securely in place, eliminating the need to constantly adjust or hold them in place. This not only improves comfort but also ensures uninterrupted focus and performance during the game.
Additionally, custom-fit mouthguards can be designed with straps or without, depending on the athlete's preference and the requirements of the sport. Strapless mouthguards may be preferred in sports like lacrosse, where players may need to remove their helmet for certain drills or when not on the field.
Custom-fit mouthguards are also more durable and can be remoulded as needed. This makes them a cost-effective option, as they can last for multiple seasons with proper care.
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Mouthguards can be strapped to the helmet or kept in the mouth
Mouthguards are essential for lacrosse players, as the sport involves many high-impact moments that can lead to dental injuries. While there are different types of mouthguards available, they can be broadly categorised into two types based on their usage: strapped to the helmet or kept in the mouth.
Some lacrosse players prefer to strap their mouthguards to their helmets to ensure they don't drop out during the game. This is especially useful if the mouthguard doesn't fit properly or tends to fall out while shouting. However, some players find that having a strap can be annoying during drills or situations where a helmet is not required. Additionally, referees may get aggravated and issue penalties if the mouthguard is attached to the helmet in a way that is considered "fish hooking".
On the other hand, many players prefer to keep their mouthguards in their mouths during practice and games. This is often more comfortable and allows for better breathing and speaking. Custom-fitted mouthguards are ideal for this purpose, as they are designed to fit snugly onto the teeth and can be moulded to the user's mouth. Boil-and-bite mouthguards are a popular option in this category due to their accessibility and affordability. However, it is important to ensure that the mouthguard stays in place and doesn't fall out during play.
It is worth noting that some companies, such as Game On Mouthguards, offer both strapped and strapless options to cater to different athlete requirements. Additionally, certain brands, like Shock Doctor, design their mouthguards specifically for lacrosse, taking into account the dynamics of the sport to offer a blend of protection and comfort.
Ultimately, the decision to strap the mouthguard to the helmet or keep it in the mouth comes down to personal preference and comfort. Players are encouraged to experiment with different options to determine what works best for them.
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Mouthguards are gender-specific in lacrosse
Mouthguards are essential in lacrosse, a sport that is characterised by its fast pace and physicality, with high-impact moments. The use of mouthguards is required in nearly all leagues and is highly recommended even in non-check formats.
There are a variety of mouthguard options available for lacrosse players. Custom-fitted mouthguards, provided by dentists or orthodontists, are the most comfortable option but tend to be more expensive. Moldable mouthguards, which are heated and then bitten into to fit the shape of the teeth, are a cheaper alternative, although they may not fit as well. Some mouthguards also come with straps that attach to the helmet, preventing them from falling out.
The choice of mouthguard colour is also an important consideration for lacrosse players. While clear mouthguards may be preferred by referees for visibility, coloured mouthguards can add a personal touch and make the player stand out.
Overall, the primary purpose of a mouthguard is to prevent sports-related dental injuries, and it is important for lacrosse players to select a mouthguard that offers adequate protection while also being comfortable and allowing for breathability.
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Mouthguards with straps are less likely to be lost
Mouthguards are an essential piece of equipment for lacrosse players, and there are several reasons why mouthguards with straps are less likely to be lost. Firstly, the strap attachment provides an anchor point, allowing athletes to "fish hook" their mouthguard by attaching it to their helmet. This not only makes it easier to carry and access the mouthguard but also ensures it remains within reach during practices and games.
The strap attachment also serves as a visual indicator for athletic trainers, coaches, and officials to quickly identify that an athlete is wearing their mouthguard. This helps to enforce compliance with mandatory protective gear requirements and reduces the likelihood of the mouthguard being forgotten or misplaced.
Additionally, the strap attachment provides a safety release feature, allowing the mouthguard to break away under a certain amount of pressure, which is an important consideration for contact sports like lacrosse.
While some athletes may find the strap attachment annoying during certain drills or non-contact practices, the benefits of reduced mouthguard loss and improved compliance with protective gear requirements make a strong case for their use.
It is worth noting that the decision to use mouthguard straps may also depend on league mandates and personal preferences. Some athletes may opt for custom-fitted mouthguards without straps, while others may prefer the added security and convenience of a strapped mouthguard. Ultimately, the choice should consider the specific needs and requirements of the athlete and the sport.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mouthguards are necessary for lacrosse. Mouthguards are important for preventing dental injuries, and athletes are up to 60% more likely to sustain dental injuries if they don't wear mouthguards.
There are a variety of mouthguards that are suitable for lacrosse. Some popular options include the Shock Doctor mouthguard, the SISU mouthguard, and the Game On Mouthguard.
A mouthguard that fits properly will stay in place without needing to be held in, allowing for clear speaking and breathing. Custom-fitted mouthguards from a dentist or orthodontist tend to fit the best, but they can be more expensive. Moldable mouthguards are a cheaper alternative that can be shaped to your teeth by boiling them in water.
