Lacrosse Mouthguard Safety Tips
Updated: Dec 21, 2023
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Introduction
Lacrosse, known for its dynamic and physical nature, necessitates the use of protective gear to ensure player safety. Among these, Lacrosse Mouthguards play a pivotal role. Not only do they protect against dental and facial injuries, but they also contribute to the overall performance and confidence of players on the field. In this article, we dive deep into the world of mouthguards, offering essential safety tips and insights into choosing and maintaining the best lacrosse mouthguards.
If you are looking to play in the NLL or PLL, you need the best mouthguard you can find.
Understanding Mouthguard Safety
Why Mouthguards are Essential
Mouthguards serve as a critical defense mechanism in lacrosse, designed to protect against several risks:
Dental Injuries: They prevent teeth from impact-related damages.
Concussion Mitigation: While not a substitute for helmets, mouthguards can help in reducing concussion severity.
Facial Protection: They shield the soft tissues of your mouth from cuts and bruises.
Understanding the fundamental role of mouthguards is crucial for every lacrosse player, from beginners to seasoned professionals. For more detailed information on mouthguard options, visit our Lacrosse Mouthguards article.
The Science Behind Mouthguard Protection
Mouthguards are engineered to absorb and disperse the forces exerted upon impact. Here's how they work:
Shock Absorption: The material of the mouthguard distributes the impact force over a larger area.
Pressure Distribution: This reduces the pressure on any single tooth or area, preventing severe injuries.
For insights into the types of mouthguards preferred by professionals, check out How Much Do Professional Lacrosse Players Make, which also touches on their gear choices.
Choosing the Right Mouthguard
Types of Lacrosse Mouthguards
Selecting the right mouthguard is crucial for both comfort and safety. The main types are:
Standard Mouthguards: Pre-formed and ready to use, ideal for beginners.
Boil and Bite Mouthguards: Can be molded to the shape of your teeth, offering a better fit.
Custom-Fit Mouthguards: Made by dental professionals to fit your mouth precisely, providing the highest level of protection.
For those specifically looking for options for younger players, explore our guide on Best Lacrosse Mouthguards for Youth Players.
Factors to Consider for Safety
When choosing a mouthguard, consider the following:
Fit and Comfort: It should be snug but not overly tight.
Quality of Material: Look for durable, BPA-free materials.
Ease of Communication: Make sure you can speak clearly with it.
Breathability: Essential for maintaining endurance during play.
Here's a quick reference table for choosing a mouthguard:
For a step-by-step guide on fitting, see our article on How to Fit a Lacrosse Mouthguard.
Proper Usage of Mouthguards
Correct Fitting Techniques
A well-fitted mouthguard is key to effective protection. Here’s how to ensure a proper fit:
Standard Mouthguards: Generally no fitting required.
Boil and Bite Mouthguards: Boil in water, then bite down to mold.
Custom-Fit Mouthguards: Professional fitting required.
Training with Mouthguards
It's crucial to practice with your mouthguard to get used to it:
Wear During Practice: This helps you adjust to the feel and breathing changes.
Communication Practice: Ensure you can speak clearly to teammates.
Remember, a mouthguard should be part of your regular gear, just like your lacrosse stick. Speaking of sticks, for beginners, it’s essential to choose the right one. Find out more in our Best Lacrosse Sticks for Beginners article.
Maintenance and Care for Safety
Cleaning and Storage
Proper maintenance of your lacrosse mouthguard is essential for ensuring its longevity and effectiveness:
Daily Cleaning: Rinse with water after each use. Clean with a toothbrush and non-alcoholic mouthwash or soap.
Deep Cleaning: Once a week, soak it in a denture cleaner or a mouthguard-specific cleaning solution.
Storage: Keep it in a ventilated case to prevent bacterial growth. Avoid direct sunlight and high temperatures.
Regular Inspection and Replacement
Mouthguards need regular inspection and replacement:
Check for Wear and Tear: Look for signs of damage like tears or severe deformation.
Fit Assessment: Ensure it still fits properly, especially for youth players who are still growing.
Seasonal Replacement: It's advisable to replace your mouthguard every lacrosse season or sooner if it shows signs of wear.
Mouthguard Maintenance Checklist
Rinse after each use
Deep clean weekly
Store in a ventilated case
Regularly inspect for damage
Replace every season or as needed
Mouthguard Safety in Different Scenarios
Youth Players
Special considerations for youth players include:
Size and Fit: Youth mouthguards should accommodate growing teeth and jaws.
Durability: Given their active usage, look for more durable options.
Comfort and Ease of Use: Ensuring young players are comfortable wearing the mouthguard is key to ensuring they actually use it.
For more information on youth equipment, check out Best Lacrosse Sticks for Beginners.
Professional Players’ Insights
Gleaning insights from professional players can be beneficial:
Customization: Many pros use custom-fit mouthguards for optimal protection and comfort.
Regular Replacement: Pros often replace their mouthguards frequently to maintain top safety standards.
Integrating Mouthguard Safety with Overall Lacrosse Gear
Complementary Gear for Mouthguards
Mouthguard safety doesn't exist in isolation; it's part of a broader lacrosse safety ensemble. Here’s how it integrates with other gear:
Helmets: Ensure your mouthguard fits comfortably with your helmet. This is crucial for protection and communication.
Pads: Shoulder and chest pads should not interfere with the mouthguard or its strap (if applicable).
Gloves: While they don't directly interact, gloves improve grip and control, indirectly supporting mouthguard effectiveness by reducing the likelihood of face-first falls.
For an in-depth look at other essential gear, explore Best Lacrosse Cleats and Best Lacrosse Heads by Position.
Final Checklist for Lacrosse Safety
A comprehensive safety checklist ensures you’re well-protected on the field:
Mouthguard: Proper fit, regularly inspected and replaced.
Helmet: Properly fitted, with no damage.
Pads: Appropriate for your position and size.
Gloves: Comfortable, with good grip.
Refer to the Lacrosse Stick Guide for more on how your stick choice complements your protective gear.
Conclusion
Mouthguards are a vital component of lacrosse safety, playing a significant role in protecting players from dental and facial injuries. By choosing the right mouthguard, ensuring proper fit, and maintaining it well, you can significantly reduce your risk of injury. Remember, safety in lacrosse isn't just about playing defense; it's about defending your health and well-being, too. Stay safe and enjoy the game!
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