Kate Brown
When it comes to ice skating, safety is always a top priority. While helmets, wrist guards, and pads are essential for protecting key areas like your head, wrists, and joints, one often overlooked but critical piece of safety gear is the mouth guard. Whether you’re a figure skater, hockey player, or a beginner recreational skater, a mouth guard can protect your teeth, gums, and jaw from injury. In this article, we’ll dive into why mouth guards are important for ice skating safety and offer tips on how to choose the right one for your needs.
Why You Need a Mouth Guard for Ice Skating
Though ice skating might seem like a low-contact sport compared to others like hockey, falls and collisions are a regular part of the experience. Especially in fast-paced skating, impacts can happen quickly, and a fall or accidental collision can cause severe damage to your teeth, lips, or jaw. A mouth guard serves as a cushion, absorbing shocks and impacts to prevent tooth loss, broken teeth, and even more serious injuries to the mouth and jaw.
Key Benefits of Wearing a Mouth Guard:
- Prevents Tooth Damage: One of the primary reasons for wearing a mouth guard is to protect your teeth from impact. This is especially crucial for young skaters or anyone new to the sport.
- Reduces Jaw Injuries: Mouth guards also help in preventing jaw fractures or dislocations, which can happen in a hard fall.
- Protects Soft Tissue: They help prevent cuts or abrasions to the inside of your lips, cheeks, and gums that can occur when a skater falls or is struck by an object.
- Improves Comfort: A properly fitted mouth guard can reduce the impact of falls, which not only prevents injury but can also make skating more enjoyable and less stressful.
1. Types of Mouth Guards for Ice Skating
There are a few different types of mouth guards available, and it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs and provides maximum protection. The main types of mouth guards are:
Stock Mouth Guards
- Description: Stock mouth guards are pre-formed and come in one size. They’re the least expensive option and are widely available in most sporting goods stores.
- Pros: Affordable and easy to use.
- Cons: They don’t offer a custom fit, which can make them uncomfortable and less effective in protecting your mouth. They may also be bulky and hard to talk or breathe with.
Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards
- Description: These mouth guards can be softened by boiling them in hot water. Afterward, you bite into the softened guard to mold it to your teeth. They offer a better fit than stock mouth guards but are still not fully customized.
- Pros: Better fit than stock guards, affordable, and widely available.
- Cons: While they’re customizable, they don’t offer the same level of protection and comfort as custom-fit options. They might also lose their shape over time.
Custom-Fit Mouth Guards
- Description: A custom-fit mouth guard is made specifically for your teeth by a dentist or professional who takes an impression of your mouth. These provide the best protection and comfort.
- Pros: The best fit and protection. These guards are molded precisely to your teeth, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit. They also provide superior shock absorption.
- Cons: They are the most expensive option and require a visit to the dentist.
2. How to Choose the Right Mouth Guard
Choosing the right mouth guard is essential for ensuring that you are fully protected on the ice. Here are some factors to keep in mind when making your choice:
Fit and Comfort
A mouth guard that doesn’t fit well won’t offer the protection you need and may even cause discomfort, making it difficult to skate effectively. If you opt for a stock or boil-and-bite guard, ensure that it fits snugly and stays in place. However, custom-fit mouth guards are the most comfortable and the best option for long-term use.
Material
The material used in the mouth guard plays a big role in its effectiveness. Look for mouth guards made from strong, shock-absorbing materials such as EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), which provides good cushioning during impacts. Custom mouth guards may use additional materials for even more protection, such as rubber or silicone.
Protection Level
Consider how much protection you need. If you’re just a recreational skater, a basic stock or boil-and-bite mouth guard may suffice. However, for those involved in more intense forms of ice skating, such as figure skating with risky jumps or hockey, a custom mouth guard may be the best choice.
Breathing and Talking
Make sure the mouth guard doesn’t obstruct your ability to breathe or talk. This is especially important for hockey players, as communication on the rink is key. Look for designs that allow for airflow and don’t restrict your speech or breathing.
Durability
You want a mouth guard that will last throughout the skating season. Higher-quality guards made from durable materials will withstand more wear and tear. Custom-fit mouth guards typically last longer than boil-and-bite types, but they can also be more expensive.
3. Cleaning and Maintenance of Mouth Guards
To ensure the longevity of your mouth guard and maintain its hygiene, regular cleaning and care are necessary. After each use, rinse the mouth guard with cool water to remove debris. You can also use mild soap to clean it, but avoid using hot water, which can distort the guard’s shape.
Storage Tips:
- Case: Always store your mouth guard in a protective case to keep it clean and prevent it from being damaged.
- Avoid Heat: Do not leave your mouth guard in hot places (like a car or near a heat source), as this can cause it to lose its shape.
- Replace When Needed: Mouth guards wear down over time. If you notice any cracks, tears, or changes in fit, it’s time to replace it.
4. When to Wear a Mouth Guard
Ideally, a mouth guard should be worn every time your child or you step onto the ice. Whether you’re just skating recreationally or engaging in more advanced figure skating or hockey, a mouth guard can provide protection in the event of a fall or collision.
When to Definitely Wear a Mouth Guard:
- Hockey Skating: If you’re playing ice hockey, wearing a mouth guard is a must. Hockey skaters are at a higher risk for collisions, and the mouth guard will help protect against impact.
- Figure Skating: Figure skaters performing jumps or intricate footwork can benefit from a mouth guard as a precautionary measure against falls.
- For Beginners: New skaters are often still working on their balance, so wearing a mouth guard is a good idea to protect the teeth in case of falls.
5. How Much Should You Spend on a Mouth Guard?
Mouth guards are available at a range of price points. Stock mouth guards are the least expensive, while custom-fit models are the most expensive. Generally speaking, you should be willing to spend a little more to get a quality mouth guard that fits well and offers adequate protection. A poorly fitting, low-quality mouth guard won’t provide enough protection and may end up being uncomfortable, which could discourage your child from wearing it at all.
Budgeting Tips:
- Stock or Boil-and-Bite Guards: These are more affordable and may be a good option if your child is just starting out and isn’t sure whether they will stick with skating.
- Custom Mouth Guards: While they’re more expensive, they offer the best protection and comfort. Consider investing in a custom mouth guard if your child is skating regularly or if they participate in a higher-risk type of skating like hockey.
Conclusion
A mouth guard is an essential piece of safety equipment for any ice skater, especially for kids and beginners who are still learning the ropes. Whether you’re a recreational skater or a hockey player, wearing a mouth guard can prevent painful and costly injuries to the teeth and jaw. Choosing the right mouth guard involves considering factors such as fit, material, protection level, and comfort. Whether you opt for a stock, boil-and-bite, or custom-fit mouth guard, the key is to ensure that it offers the best protection possible while allowing for comfort and ease of use. With the right mouth guard in place, you’ll be able to skate confidently, knowing you’re well-protected from potential injury.