Super Bowl LVII
Last Sunday (Feb 12th, 2023) the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles will faced each other in Super Bowl LVII (that’s Super Bowl 57 for those who are not from ancient Rome). It was an exciting time, especially now that pandemic has loosened it’s grip, you may have enjoyed the game with family and friends. The team at Erbsville Dental hopes that your Super Bowl Sunday was memorable and fun!
University of Calgary
For those who love the game enough to get off the couch, keep in mind that Erbsville Dental provides sports mouthguards that do much more than just protect your teeth. According to a University of Calgary study, sports mouthguards significantly reduce the risk of concussions. Although the study was hockey oriented, similar contact sports like American football would have transferable data. The study showed a 64% reduction in the odds of concussion when a mouthguard was worn. Mouthguards are designed to reduce the forces of a collision transmitted to the teeth and jaw. However, the same reduction of force means less impact on the brain.
NFL Concussion Protocols
It’s no secret, the movie “Concussion” starring Will Smith exposed the huge problem with the sport and the long term affects that many players experienced. The NFL has had to change many things to make the sport safer to play. They have worked with helmet manufacturers to make Helmets much better at reducing impact. You have probably noticed the big change in how they look compared to a decade or two ago. However, the biggest and most positive change has been the NFL’s Concussion Protocol & Return-to-Participation Protocol, which protects players from life altering brain injury.
Custom Mouthguards
Now when pro football players line up across from each other they are well-protected. Instead of bulk, helmets and shoulder pads are sleek and functional. The same goes for mouthguards that were once huge and thick and hard to breath through. Custom mouthguards fit perfectly to your teeth and don’t cause irritation or get in the way. Quarterbacks can call out plays and be clearly heard without having to remove them.
Should Be Mandatory
Don’t mistake the mouthguards NFL players wear for over-the-counter boil and bite mouthguards. Most of these are cheaply made and don’t provide the same level of protection. That being said, the University of Calgary study used these “off-the-shelf mouthguards” and they are better than nothing. The fact is sports mouthguards should be mandatory in any impact sport. They are proven to protect your teeth and your brain. If you’re going to get one, get a custom Erbsville Dental mouthguard.
The Moulding Procedure
After your teeth have been cleaned and after Dr. Mathews checks your teeth, the dental assistant will bring in two sets of dental moulds filled with a cream-colored gel. One for the top teeth and one for the bottom. She gently places the moulds in position for you then asks you to close while keeping your lips over the mould edge. The molding gel is tasteless and at room temperature. After the mould is in place it only takes a few seconds (10-20) to firm up. The helpful assistant then gently removes the set-up gel to keep the shape intact. Then the process is repeated for the opposite half of your mouth. The whole moulding process only takes 10 minutes and is completely without discomfort. A perfect replica of your teeth is left impressed for the mouthguard to be made.
The Five-Minute Appointment
When the silicone sports mouthguard is ready you can come back to the clinic (Erbsville Dental) to make sure they fit properly. You can either wait until your next cleaning or you can come back approximately two weeks after the moulding process. A dental assistant will check to see if any adjustments are needed and if the trays stay firmly in place. This appointment is a pleasurable experience and lots of friendly advice is given so that you feel confident during your play or sporting event. If you have any questions, they are answered clearly.
Call today and make an appointment for a cleaning, check-up, and a new custom sports mouthguard. Protect your teeth and your brain from the impacts of any sport.
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Accordingly, always seek the advice of your Dentist or other healthcare providers regarding a dental condition or treatment.
