You might have seen basketball players wearing mouthguards. If so, have you ever wondered why do NBA players wear these dental appliances? Do you know the benefits of wearing mouthguards for basketball players? If not, this article is a must-read for you.

Here we will let you know what mouthguards are and why athletes involved in contact sports must wear this dental device. So, stay connected to us and continue reading this guide to learn some of the logical reasons for wearing mouthguards for basketball players.

What Are Mouthguards?

A mouthguard is a protective dental tool that protects your teeth, lips, and gums. In simple words, this dental appliance reduces the risk of injuries for athletes involved in contact sports. A mouthguard functions to absorb the impact of an accident when a player is hit on the face. That’s how these devices minimize the risk of injuries.

Without this piece of equipment, a player may experience more pain if hit in the area around the oral cavity. In addition, mouthguards also prevent bleeding gums and broken teeth during intense basketball games.

5 Logical Reasons to Wear Mouthguards for Basketball Players

Here are a few logical reasons to help you understand why basketball players wear mouthguards.

1. Mouthguards Reduce the Risk of Injury

The most significant reason for wearing mouthguards for basketball players is that these devices reduce the risk of injuries. Research suggests that the highest number of dental injuries occur during contact sports, among which basketball is at the top. That’s why basketball players need to wear mouthguards while playing.

These mouthguards protect players against chipped or broken teeth, root and bone damage, and tooth loss. So, get your basketball mouthguard and make sure you wear it while playing.

2. Mouthguards Protect Your Teeth and Jawbone

All athletes involved in contact sports, particularly basketball players, are at a higher risk of developing dental injuries. There is very little flexibility inside our mouths. A single blow towards the teeth or gums can fracture the jawbone. That’s where mouthguards can help.

A basketball mouthguard acts as a crash helmet and protects the jawbone from an unexpected or accidental fracture. So, if you want to protect your teeth and jawbone, make sure you are wearing a mouthguard while playing basketball.

3. Your Opponent Team Fails to Read Your Lips 

Apart from the physical moves, basketball involves plenty of psychological aspects. Basketball players huddle up during halftime or during breaks to discuss strategies. These discussions and strategies play a vital role in the team’s success.

So, if your opponent team knows about your plans or strategies, there are significant chances that they may copy or counter your plan. Hence, your chances of success reduce drastically. 

That’s where wearing mouthguards become handy. When basketball players wear clear mouthguards, there are fewer chances that their discussions and plans get exposed to the opponent team. That’s because mouthguards distort the mouth’s shape and make it difficult for the opponent to read your lips.

Hence, your opponent does not get to know what you are discussing as a team. It becomes almost impossible for the opponent to read your lips when discussing strategies while wearing mouthguards. That’s why the entire team should be wearing a mouthguard while playing.

4. Mouthguards Are East to Maintain 

Although mouthguards are available in various sizes, colors, and materials; however, maintaining them is incredibly easy. You need a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean your mouthguard before use.

This means basketball players can always maintain good oral health despite wearing mouthguards. In other words, mouthguards aren’t a hurdle in your oral hygiene.

Also read: Why Participation Trophies Are Important In Sports?

5. Dental Repairs are Costly, Whereas Mouthguards are Inexpensive

Dental repairs are costly. The costs depend on the complexity of the procedure. The role of dental providers is to preserve your teeth. They have designed dental devices like mouthguards that protect your teeth, mouth, and jaw.

Dental repairs are much more costly compared to the costs of mouthguards. You can easily find an inexpensive mouthguard from your nearest drug store and wear it while playing basketball. Otherwise, you may experience a dental injury that will not only be painful but will also be expensive.