In the world of contact sports and high-impact activities, safety gear is not just an option—it's a necessity. While helmets and pads often get the most attention, one small piece of equipment plays an outsized role in injury prevention: the mouthguard. At Cox50, we understand the importance of advanced protection, and as trusted mouth guard manufacturers, we're committed to spreading awareness about how mouthguards safeguard athletes from concussions and jaw injuries.
Understanding the Role of a Mouthguard
A mouthguard is a soft, flexible device worn over the teeth and gums to protect the mouth, teeth, and jaw during impact. It serves multiple purposes:
- Prevents broken or chipped teeth
- Protects soft tissues (lips, cheeks, and tongue)
- Helps reduce the risk of jaw fractures
- Absorbs and disperses shock
But beyond these obvious benefits, mouthguards play a critical, yet often overlooked role: reducing the risk and severity of concussions.
How Mouthguards Help Prevent Concussions
Concussions are traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) caused by a blow or jolt to the head. While most associate concussions with head impacts, they can also result from force transmitted through the jaw. Here's how a mouthguard helps:
1. Shock Absorption
When a player takes a hit to the chin or lower face, the force can travel through the jawbone to the skull. A mouthguard acts as a cushion, absorbing much of that shock before it reaches the brain. This can significantly reduce the force transferred to the cranium.
2. Stabilizing the Jaw
A properly fitted mouthguard holds the jaw in a slightly open, natural position. This reduces the chances of the jaw snapping shut during impact, which can cause a whiplash effect that contributes to concussive injuries.
3. Decreased Risk of Secondary Impact
Without a mouthguard, the teeth may clench together forcefully upon impact, potentially causing the lower jaw to act like a battering ram against the upper skull. This internal impact can increase concussion severity. A mouthguard softens this blow and distributes the pressure.
Protection Against Jaw Injuries
Jaw injuries are common in contact sports such as rugby, football, boxing, MMA, and hockey. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull, is particularly vulnerable.
Mouthguards help prevent:
- Jaw dislocation: By stabilizing the jaw and minimizing extreme movements.
- Fractures: By absorbing energy that would otherwise be directed at the jawbone.
- TMJ damage: By keeping the joint in a protected, neutral position.
Scientific Backing and Clinical Studies
Numerous studies have confirmed the benefits of mouthguards in reducing concussion risk. For instance, a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that athletes using custom-fit mouthguards were significantly less likely to suffer concussions compared to those wearing standard or no mouthguards at all.
Another study in Dental Traumatology highlighted that custom mouthguards provide better jaw stabilization and shock absorption than boil-and-bite or generic models.
As mouth guard manufacturers, we take these findings seriously and incorporate them into our product design.
Types of Mouthguards and Their Effectiveness
- Stock Mouthguards: Inexpensive and ready to wear, but often ill-fitting. Provide minimal protection.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: Moldable after heating, offering a better fit than stock types but can still be bulky.
- Custom-Fit Mouthguards: Made by dental professionals or premium manufacturers like Cox50 for a precise fit, maximum comfort, and superior protection.
For concussion and jaw injury prevention, custom-fit mouthguards are by far the most effective.
Cox50: Precision-Engineered Protection
At Cox50, we go beyond generic solutions. As one of the leading mouth guard manufacturers, we engineer each piece with input from sports scientists, dentists, and professional athletes. Our mouthguards are designed to deliver:
- Optimized shock absorption
- Maximum comfort for extended use
- Durability and hygiene
- Customization for individual sports and needs
Whether you're a professional athlete or a student playing school-level sports, our products are crafted to provide the protection you need to perform confidently.
Key Features to Look for in a High-Quality Mouthguard
- Dual-layer construction: Offers better energy dispersion
- Breathability channels: Allows easy airflow while wearing
- BPA-free materials: Ensures safety and non-toxicity
- Anti-microbial finish: Prevents bacterial buildup
- Secure fit: Doesn't slip or hinder speech
Final Thoughts
While no mouthguard can eliminate concussion risk entirely, it can play a significant role in minimizing impact and protecting vital structures like the jaw and brain. Athletes, parents, and coaches should prioritize mouthguard use in every contact sport scenario.
Remember, it's not just about following the rules—it's about protecting your future.
At Cox50, we are proud to be at the forefront of safety innovation as trusted mouth guard manufacturers. Our mission is simple: provide the best gear so that athletes can focus on performance, not protection.
