Revolutionizing Safety: Advancements in Dental Mouth Guard Technology

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Technology has prompted many advancements in diverse industries, including sports. Sports apparel, in particular, has benefited so much from the ongoing technological revolution. Athletes are a big part of this transformation, as sports apparel is now designed to match their ever-advancing skills.

When discussing sports apparel, we always think of something familiar, like basketball shoes, baseball bats, and badminton rackets. However, beyond all these, the revolution is very apparent in protective sports gear. Dental mouth guard technology, which provides enhanced jaw and mouth protection in many sports, is only one of them.

If you are interested in the latest advancements in this protective gear, we will first explore the history of dental mouth guard technology and discuss its latest advancements.

Woolf Krause

The dentist who invested in the mouthguard is Dr. Wolf Krause. He was an English dentist in the 19th century who created a mouthguard in 1890 in London. During that time, boxers devised their protective gear to avoid lacerations. These gears are made up of bits of cotton, tape, sponge, and sometimes, wood. This is when Krause realised the need for such a contraption. 

The first version of mouth guards is called “Gum Shield.” It is not made of rubbery materials like the ones we have today. Gum shields were originally composed of gutta-percha, a latex-type material from the sap of specific trees. The creation was used to prevent lip cuts, which were common injuries among boxers at the time. 

After Woolf Krause, his son, Philip Krause, continued to further the invention. Other names, like Dr Rodney O. Lilyquist, altered the original mouthguard designs, making them suitable for many sports besides boxing.

Today, the ones that Lulyquist has created, which are made of transparent acrylic resin, are used in many sports like basketball and football. These are the types of mouth guards brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne dentists can offer. It’s always best to consult such professionals to ensure your mouth guard is custom-fit and that they can benefit your mouth and gums.

Dental Guard Materials Today

Initially, dental guards are known to be made from acrylic resins. However, this kind of material doesn’t deliver the desired level of comfort for athletes. With the introduction of the following newer dental guard materials, comfort and safety are extensively considered.

Thermoplastic Materials –These materials are easy to mould when heated, making them ideal for custom-fit guards. They are also lightweight, heavy-duty, and resistant to breakage, making them ideal for mouthguards.

Silicon-based Guards – Softer than acrylic, silicon-based guards are ideal for night guards as they provide a more comfortable fit.

Biocompatibility 

Biocompatibility is the main direction of the advancements in dental mouth guard technology. Considering this, mouthguards remain safe for prolonged use and contact with oral tissues.

Antimicrobial Properties – Many mouthguards today feature antimicrobial properties. These properties promote oral hygiene and reduce bad breath by reducing bacterial growth on the mouthguards. They also ensure that no toxic chemicals will leach out during wear. 

Non-toxic Additives – Certain chemicals have adverse effects on human health. Recognizing this, non-toxic additives are now used in modern dental mouthguard materials. If you’re especially conscious about chemical exposures, you can also opt for BPA-free dental guards, which ensures peace of mind and safety. 

Speaking of biocompatibility, Polyurethane dental guards are superior to many other materials. It ensures comfort and protection and guarantees flexibility and durability at the same time. 

When it comes to warranting strength and resistance against wear, nano-composite technology is at the top of the game. They can also be more transparent and lightweight, making them less noticeable and ideal for aesthetic-conscious wearers.  

Modern Mouth Guards in Sports

In modern sports, mouthguards are cemented as essential protective gear an elite athlete can’t play without. We all know many successful NBA players wearing mouthguards on the court. Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Rajon Rondo, Blake Griffin, Tim Hardaway, and Stephen Curry are just a few of the many athletes acknowledging the importance of mouthguards when playing. 

Many would agree that mouthguards worn by athletes, especially the custom-made ones, add “swag” to the wearer. Football players, who often have larger mouthguards, are fond of custom designs. Some mouthguards for football players even have lip guards. The modern versions of this mouthguard have breathing channels, allowing players to breathe normally as they would. 

More than protection, these lip guards are becoming more like a gear that gives “personality” to the wearers. With so many custom designs and styles, a player can show some personality with this modern sports apparel. 

Wrapping Up

Over the years, dental health has advanced greatly. As more innovative materials are discovered through science and technology, more functional, comfortable, and aesthetic dental mouthguards will be introduced to wearers. Of course, it’s best to consult a professional dental technician before deciding which mouthguard would suit you, especially if you are into contact sports.