Why mouthguards matter
in American Football
American football can be a rough sport, which is why having the right protective equipment is crucial for athletes of every level and age.
Whatever you’re doing – whether blocking to protect your quarterback or tackling to gain possession of the ball – you need to keep your mouth guarded at all times so a rogue knee doesn’t land you in the dentist’s chair!
0%
of dental injuries in the US are sports related
0%
of injuries in American football involved players’ teeth
0%
of injuries in American football are dental related
Which Makura mouthguard is best for American Football players?
Unfortunately the answer to this question isn’t always straight forward because, at the end of the day, the right mouthguard is the one that fits you best. That being said, there are some charcteristics you should look out for when choosing an American football mouthguard.
Correct Fit
A properly fitted mouthguard keeps wearers both comfortable and safe. It should remain securely in place (no clenching required to hold it) even if you jostle it a bit with your tongue, and it shouldn’t make you gag, prevent you from speaking, or inhibit breathing in any way.
Certification
All Makura mouthguards are fully CE certified and have achieved Level 2 and Level 3 Impact Resistance. Our BOIL & BITE™ TEPHRA MAX™ is Level 3 Impact Resistant, the highest level achievable for mouth-adapted mouthguards. Our braces compatible LITHOS™ is Level 2 Impact Resistant, the highest attainable for ready-made mouthguards.
Features
Look for attributes like gel-based and flexible liners as well as shock absorbing outers that are suited to the game you play and how you play it. If you have braces, make sure you choose a braces-compatible mouthguard to keep both you and your braces safe from harm.
A brief history of mouthguards in American Football
After rising in popularity among boxers in the mid-twentieth century, mouthguards (originally known as "gum shields") started to gain traction among football players in the United States in the late 1940s. This proved to be a turning point. Prior to the 1950s, over 50% of all injuries in American football involved players' teeth. Today, rates of dental injuries among football players are less than 3%. Whether or not mouthguards are formally required depends on where you play. Even if your team's rules don't require you to wear a mouthguard during play, you can still take your safety into your own hands (or mouth) by choosing to use a mouthguard.
Remember, dental and orofacial injuries don't affect star players alone. They can happen to anyone, which is why you must always keep yourself protected by wearing a mouthguard.