Sports Mouthwear

What is Sports Mouthwear?

Sports mouthwear, commonly known as athlete mouthguards, sports mouthguards, or sports mouthpieces, is designed to protect an athlete’s teeth, gums, lips, and jaw from injury during physical activities. They are particularly prevalent in contact sports but can be used in any sport where there is a risk of trauma to the mouth.

Whether you’re into golf, hockey, or football, custom athletic mouthwear not only safeguards your mouth but can also enhance your performance. How? These scientifically designed mouthpieces prevent jaw and teeth clenching during play, inhibiting hormone release that might hinder your performance.

What are the types of mouthgaurds?

While the primary purpose of mouthguards is to shield the teeth and gums from trauma, different types offer varying levels of comfort, fit, and protection. The choice often depends on the specific needs of the athlete, the nature of the sport, and budget considerations.

• • Stock Mouth Protectors

    Pre-formed and ready-to-wear, are the most cost-effective options. However, their one-size-fits-all design can lead to a poor fit, potentially making breathing and speaking more challenging.

  • Boil and Bite Mouth Protectors

    Crafted from thermoplastic material, these are first boiled in water and then shaped by biting into them, allowing a more customized fit than stock versions.

  • Custom Fitted Mouth Protectors

    These are individually designed by dental professionals for a tailored fit. While they come at a higher cost, they provide superior protection, comfort, and fit.

What are the benefits of the sports mouthwaer?

Sport mouthwear, offers several benefits to athletes, especially those involved in contact sports. Here are the main benefits:

• Protection from Dental Injuries: The most obvious benefit is the protection mouthguards provide against dental injuries. They shield the teeth from direct impacts, reducing the risk of chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth.
• Prevention of Soft Tissue Injuries: Mouthguards act as a barrier between the teeth and the soft tissues of the mouth. This helps prevent cuts and bruises to the lips, cheeks, and tongue, which can occur from bites or direct impacts.
• Reduction in Concussion Risk: Some studies suggest that mouthguards can reduce the risk of concussions. While the exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, it’s believed that mouthguards help absorb and distribute the forces from an impact, potentially limiting the movement of the brain within the skull.
• Protection against Jaw Injuries: Mouthguards can cushion blows to the jaw, reducing the likelihood of fractures or dislocations. They help distribute the force from impacts more evenly across the jaw.
• Protection for Orthodontic Appliances: Athletes with braces or other orthodontic appliances particularly benefit from mouthguards. A blow to the mouth can damage these appliances and cause injuries to the soft tissues. Mouthguards designed for braces provide a cushion and protect both the appliance and the mouth.
• Reduction of Tooth Grinding: Stress or intense concentration during sports can lead some athletes to unconsciously grind their teeth. A mouthguard can prevent this grinding, protecting the teeth from wear and potential damage.
• Potential Performance Enhancement: Some specialized sports mouthwear, designed using technologies like Bite Tech, claim to enhance athletic performance by optimizing jaw positioning. By potentially reducing stress and enhancing muscle function, these mouthguards may contribute to improved strength, endurance, and reaction times.
• Economic Benefit: Preventing dental and oral injuries can save athletes significant amounts in medical and dental bills. In the long run, the cost of a mouthguard is minimal compared to the potential cost of treating a severe dental injury.
• Compliance with Sports Regulations: Many sports organizations and leagues require athletes to wear mouthguards as part of their safety equipment. Wearing them ensures compliance with these regulations and allows athletes to participate without penalty.

How much does a custom sports mouthguard cost in Ontario?

Generally, you could expect to pay anywhere from CAD $100 to CAD $400 or more for a custom-fitted sports mouthguard in Toronto. It’s essential to note that prices can fluctuate over time due to inflation, increased labor costs, and other market dynamics.

What is Bite Tech technology?

Bite Tech technology revolves around the concept of optimizing jaw positioning during athletic performance. The foundational belief is that athletes tend to clench their jaws, particularly under stress or strain. This clenching can purportedly trigger the release of hormones such as cortisol, which is often associated with stress and can negatively impact performance. Mouthpieces designed using Bite Tech technology aim to create a slight separation between the upper and lower jaws. By doing so, they aim to prevent or reduce the extent of jaw clenching. As a result, the theory suggests that athletes can experience increased strength, reduced stress, and overall improved performance.

Protective Benefits of Bite Tech

While the unique positioning of the jaw for performance enhancement is a defining feature of Bite Tech technology, these mouthpieces also serve a protective function. Like traditional sports mouthguards, they safeguard against potential dental injuries that might occur during athletic activities, providing a barrier against impacts that could harm the teeth, gums, or inner cheeks.

Research and Testimonials

The efficacy of Bite Tech technology has been explored in various studies and testimonials. Many athletes and users have reported positive outcomes after using these mouthpieces. However, as with many performance-enhancing tools, the results can be subjective and may vary from one individual to another. It’s crucial for potential users and athletes to approach the claims critically and understand that while some might experience noticeable benefits, others might not.

Applications Across Sports

The use of Bite Tech mouthpieces isn’t confined to one sport. Initially gaining traction among football players, the technology has since found proponents in a myriad of sports disciplines, from basketball to golf. The appeal lies in the potential performance-enhancing benefits, making it a tool of interest for any athlete looking for an edge in their game.

Customization and Comfort

For optimal effectiveness and comfort, products utilizing Bite Tech technology can often be tailored to fit an individual’s mouth. A custom fit ensures that the mouthpiece sits snugly, providing the desired jaw positioning while ensuring the athlete remains comfortable during their activity.

Under Armour’s Involvement:

A significant boost to Bite Tech’s prominence in the sports world came from its association and eventual acquisition by Under Armour. As a leading sports apparel and equipment company, Under Armour recognized the potential of Bite Tech and integrated the technology into its range of athletic gear.