why do baseball players use mouthguards

why do baseball players use mouthguards

Baseball is a popular sport that involves a lot of physical activity and contact. Players are constantly at risk of getting hit by a ball or a bat. To protect themselves, they use various types of safety equipment, including helmets, gloves, and mouthguards. In this article, we will explore the reasons why baseball players use mouthguards and the benefits they provide.

Prevention of Dental Injuries

One of the main reasons why baseball players use mouthguards is to protect their teeth from getting knocked out or broken. A mouthguard acts as a cushion that absorbs the impact of a blow to the face. Without a mouthguard, a player is at risk of losing teeth or suffering from other dental injuries that can be painful and costly to treat.

Furthermore, dental injuries can have long-term effects on a player’s career. A missing tooth can affect a player’s ability to chew food properly, which can impact their nutrition and overall health. It can also affect their speech and appearance, which can be detrimental to their confidence and self-esteem.

Overall, using a mouthguard can prevent dental injuries and protect a player’s oral health.

Prevention of Concussions

In addition to protecting the teeth, mouthguards can also help prevent concussions. A concussion is a type of brain injury that can occur when a player’s head is hit by a ball or a bat. The impact can cause the brain to move inside the skull, which can result in a range of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and confusion.

While mouthguards cannot prevent concussions entirely, they can help reduce the risk of a player suffering from a concussion. This is because a mouthguard can act as a shock absorber that reduces the force of impact to the head. By reducing the force of impact, a player is less likely to suffer from a concussion or other head injuries.

Improvement of Breathing

Another benefit of using a mouthguard is that it can improve a player’s breathing. When a player wears a mouthguard, their jaws are kept in a slightly open position. This can help improve air flow and reduce the risk of breathing difficulties during physical activity.

Furthermore, a mouthguard can also help reduce snoring and sleep apnea. These conditions can affect a player’s overall health and performance. By improving breathing, a player can feel more energized and focused, which can lead to better performance on the field.

Protection of Soft Tissues

In addition to protecting the teeth and preventing concussions, mouthguards can also protect the soft tissues inside the mouth. When a player is hit in the face, their lips, cheeks, and tongue can be injured by their teeth or the impact of the blow. A mouthguard can help prevent these injuries by providing a barrier between the teeth and the soft tissues.

Furthermore, mouthguards can also protect the braces or other orthodontic appliances that a player may be wearing. These appliances can be damaged or dislodged during physical activity, which can be painful and costly to repair. A mouthguard can help protect these appliances and prevent them from being damaged or dislodged.

why do baseball players use mouthguards

Comfort and Fit

Finally, mouthguards are designed to be comfortable and fit securely in the player’s mouth. This can help reduce distractions and discomfort during physical activity. A well-fitted mouthguard can also help improve a player’s speech and communication on the field.

Furthermore, mouthguards are available in a variety of styles and colors, which can help players express their individuality and team spirit. This can help boost morale and create a sense of unity among the team.

Conclusion

Baseball players use mouthguards for a variety of reasons, including the prevention of dental injuries, concussions, and soft tissue damage. They can also improve breathing and provide comfort and fit. Mouthguards are an essential piece of safety equipment that can help protect a player’s health and performance on the field.

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