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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Most people associate mouthguards with the protection of teeth, however studies from the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) reveal they have the potential of doing so much more for professional athletes and amateurs alike.
According to research published in General Dentistry, AGD’s peer-reviewed journal, wearing mouthguards may have the potential to improve athletic performances as well as shield the brain from the effects of contact sports. When an athlete wears a mouthguard, and especially while clenching:
· The neck and jaw muscles activate while heading a soccer ball, which may protect against concussions
· It repositions the jaw to activate head and neck muscles, which may help weightlifters feel stronger and less encumbered
· It modifies the airway opening to make breathing more efficient while exercising
“This research lays out the foundation for potentially groundbreaking evidence that mouthguards can have a big effect on posture, muscle engagement and improvement of oxygen intake,” said sports dentist Richard D. Knowlton, DMD, chairman of the AGD’s dental education council.
In the United States, football requires all athletes to wear a mouthguard. If mouthguards were required for other sports and activities (such as soccer, wrestling or weight lifting) it might not only help to improve performance but hopefully with further research it may be shown to possibily help in preventing concussions.
“Perhaps one day mouthguards won’t be limited to rough and tumble sports such as football and basketball, but could be a must for all athletes looking to improve their performance,” Knowlton said.
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