Summer sports are in full swing across Lake Stevens, and that means kids, teens, and adults are out on the fields and courts more than ever. Whether it’s football, soccer, biking, or skateboarding, there’s always an element of risk when it comes to head injuries. Concussions can happen fast, and they’re not just limited to full-contact sports. That’s why finding the right protective gear ahead of time can make a big difference.
When most people think about preventing head injuries, helmets usually come to mind first. But one of the most overlooked tools that can help soften impact to the brain is the mouthguard. Good mouth protection doesn’t just save teeth, it can also help reduce the force that gets transmitted to the head during a fall or hit. Let’s take a closer look at what concussions are, how they happen, and how the right equipment, especially a mouthguard, can lower your risk.
The Basics of Concussion and Head Injuries in Sports
A concussion is a type of brain injury that can happen when your head gets hit, jolted, or shaken hard enough to mess with how your brain works. Some people lose consciousness, but most just feel dazed, dizzy, or have a headache they didn’t have before. It doesn’t always show right away either, which makes spotting it tricky, especially in younger kids.
These types of injuries are pretty common in contact sports like football, lacrosse, and hockey. But they’re not limited to rougher sports. You can get a concussion from a fall while biking, taking a soccer ball to the head, or even getting elbowed during a basketball game. It can happen while skateboarding, skiing, or during a cheerleading stunt. Any time your body or head takes a hit, there’s a chance for this type of injury.
Here’s a list of sports where head injuries tend to happen more often:
- Football
- Soccer
- Lacrosse
- Basketball
- Skateboarding
- Ice hockey
- Wrestling
- Cheerleading
- Mountain biking or BMX
Being aware of when these hits can happen is one step toward protecting players. The next is gear, and not just helmets. That’s where mouthguards come in.
How Mouthguards Help Prevent Concussions
It might not seem obvious at first, but your mouth has a lot to do with how shock travels through your head. A good mouthguard acts like a cushion between your upper and lower teeth. That padding can absorb some of the force that might otherwise shoot straight through the jaw and up into the skull.
When someone takes a hit to the chin, for example, if there’s no mouthguard, the force can push the jawbone straight into the base of the skull. That sharp shock travels fast and can lead to a concussion. But if there’s a layer of protection there, something soft enough to absorb the blow, it takes away a lot of that pressure.
Mouthguards come in a few different styles:
- Stock mouthguards: These are the ones you buy at most sporting goods stores. They come pre-shaped and usually cost the least. The downside is they don’t fit well and can feel bulky.
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards: These get soft in hot water and mold to the shape of your teeth when you bite down. They’re better than stock guards but still don’t always offer full comfort or coverage.
- Custom-fitted mouthguards: Made by dental offices, these are built to fit your mouth exactly. They’re thinner and easier to talk or breathe with, and they stay in place better during sports. These offer the most protection because they stay put and cover more of the teeth and gums.
If you’ve ever watched a game and noticed a player tossing a mouthguard in and out or not wearing it at all, there’s a good chance it doesn’t fit well. That’s usually the reason people stop using them. A comfortable mouthguard is more likely to get worn, which means more protection when it actually counts.
In the next section, we’ll look at other types of gear like helmets and shields, and how they work alongside mouthguards to keep players safer.
Other Essential Sports Equipment for Head Protection
Mouthguards serve as a big part of preventing concussions, but they work best as part of a broader safety setup. The key is combining different types of equipment that work together. Helmets, for example, protect against direct blows to the skull. They’re required in sports like football and cycling and helpful in many others. But helmets alone don’t catch everything, so adding more layers helps.
Face shields, often used in hockey and lacrosse, protect the eyes and face from fast-moving pucks and sticks. Padded headbands, mostly used in soccer, offer extra cushion and help soak up smaller impacts. Neck guards, common in ice hockey, also keep players safe from falls and awkward landings that could harm the head or neck area.
Let’s break it down:
- Helmets: Must-have for high-impact sports and help prevent serious hits to the head
- Face shields: Guard the face and eyes, especially in sports with fast projectiles
- Padded headbands: Add cushion and are useful in sports where helmets aren’t used
- Neck guards: Protect against whiplash or falls, especially in winter sports and hockey
Using these pieces of equipment together creates a stronger safety net. That added peace of mind can protect players and ease some of the worry for parents and coaches.
Choosing the Right Mouthguard for Your Needs
Picking the best mouthguard means thinking about comfort, fit, and the sport itself. Athletes in contact sports usually need a thicker, more shock-absorbent mouthguard. For less intense sports, something slimmer and easier to breathe with might be a better fit.
Stock guards are quick to buy but rarely fit well. Boil-and-bite models are an upgrade since they mold to the teeth a little better. Still, they don’t always stay in place. Custom-fitted ones from a dentist offer the best comfort and shield because they fit snugly and don’t get in the way of breathing or talking. That often means kids are more likely to wear them consistently.
Mouthguards also need some care to keep them clean and useful:
- Rinse and brush them after each use
- Store them in a case with airflow
- Don’t leave them in places that get too hot, like a car dashboard
- Replace them when they start to look worn or feel loose
Choosing a guard that fits well and taking care of it makes a big difference. That way, players can enjoy their game with less worry.
Keep Safe and Play Hard
Playing sports is a great way to build confidence, get exercise, and have fun with friends. But it’s just as important to put safety first, especially when it comes to protecting your head. The right gear can help avoid major injuries and keep everyone on the field, court, or trail longer.
Whether it’s practicing in the park or playing in a weekend tournament, mouthguards and other protective equipment give both kids and adults a better shot at staying injury-free. That doesn’t mean the game slows down. It simply means everyone plays smarter.
In Lake Stevens, where local sports are a big part of the community, it’s more important than ever to prepare the right way. From soccer practice to skateboarding downtown, staying safe starts with the right gear. Make smart choices now so you or your child can enjoy every game, match, or ride with confidence.
Choosing the right protective gear is an important step in enjoying sports safely while minimizing the risk of injuries. For those looking to add an extra layer of protection against head impacts, consider using a mouthguard for concussion prevention. At New Life Dental Arts, we’re here to help ensure you and your loved ones can play hard and stay safe with the proper gear.