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American Football Protection & Medical
History of Mouthguards
The origin of the mouthguard is not exactly clear, but it is most likely that it originated from the sport of boxing. Dental injuries were responsible for 24-50% of all injuries in American football during the 1940s and 1950s. The American Dental Association (ADA) then began researching mouthguards and their benefits, quickly promoting the use of latex mouthguards in all contact sports. In 1962, all high school football players in the USA were required to wear a mouthguard. In 1973, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) made mouthguards a requirement in college football, and the number of dental injuries dropped dramatically.
User Moments
American football mouthguards are worn every time you play American football, both during training and games.
Mouthguards
When looking for an American football mouthguard, the following factors are recommended. Hygiene is important, as you should be able to clean your mouthguard regularly. Comfort is key—you don’t want to wear something that annoys you during the game or training. It should be resilient, meaning you want a mouthguard that doesn’t tear or change shape, even after a hard fall. Durability is also important so that you get value for your money. A good fit ensures that your mouthguard stays in place and doesn’t fall out. Lastly, the mouthguard should not hinder your ability to breathe or speak. Communication is essential during the match, and you should be able to talk with your mouthguard in.
Instant Fit
Pros of instant fit mouthguards include being cheap, easy to access, and available with a lip guard. However, they can be chewed on easily, restrict talking, and make breathing difficult. They also come in limited sizes and may require you to close your jaw to keep them in place.
Boil and Bite
The pros of boil and bite mouthguards include providing a good custom fit, being affordable, and easy to access. On the downside, they can feel a bit uncomfortable at times, restrict speech and breathing, and can be chewed on easily.
Materials
Common materials used in mouthguards include ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and medical-grade silicone. Stock mouthguards often use rubber combined with gel-fit for added comfort.
Positions
For skilled positions like quarterbacks, wide receivers, and linebackers, communication is vital. These players need a thinner mouthguard but should not sacrifice protection. The mouthguard should be both thin and protective. For heavy hitters such as defensive/offensive linemen, linebackers, and safeties, a more robust mouthguard is necessary. These players take frequent impacts, and a bit of extra protection is required. However, the mouthguard should not be too bulky as it may cause discomfort.
Sizes of Mouthguards
For custom fit, mouthguards can be obtained using the boil and bite method, suitable for both adults and youth. Stock mouthguards typically come in "one size fits most" versions, with separate options for adults and youth.
Why Do I Need Compression Gear?
All your American football equipment serves a purpose. Your cleats provide traction for better mobility. Your shoulder pads and helmet protect you during hits and tackles. Your gloves give extra grip. Similarly, body protective gear serves an essential role in protecting your body during the game, just like any other piece of equipment.
Material and Sizes
Common integrated compression gear includes American football girdles, padded shirts, sleeves, tights, knee pads, leg pads, and padded pants. Not all of these items have padding in the same locations, so make sure the padding is placed where you need it before purchasing.
Integrated Compression
American football padded compression gear offers two benefits in one: protection and a tight, comfortable fit. One major advantage of integrated compression gear is that the padding is sewn directly into the gear, preventing it from shifting around like traditional padding. This results in a more comfortable and lightweight experience. Additional benefits of integrated compression gear include reduced muscle fatigue, more efficient blood flow (which provides more oxygen to the muscles), and reduced soreness, leading to faster recovery times after play.
Non-Integrated Compression
Compression sleeves, shorts, tops, and tights are common types of compression apparel. They fit tightly, making them ideal for wearing under pads and protection gear. They reduce friction between your skin and pads and can protect you from turf burns. Compression gear also features moisture-wicking technology and breathable fabrics, which can help keep you cool on the field, especially when wearing shoulder pads.
Cold Weather Compression
Cold weather compression gear shares many similarities with non-integrated compression gear, such as comfort under pads and protection against rubbing. Cold weather compression gear comes with varying levels of thermal capabilities, but these vary by brand. Always check to ensure the gear you choose has the right thermal properties for your needs.
Restrictors
Restrictors, or jockstraps, were invented in 1874 by C.F. Bennett. They are used to protect the male genitalia during contact sports, as impact to the testicles can cause serious injuries, including rupture and internal bleeding. The cups used in American football restrictors are made of hard plastic. The supporter and the cup are often sold separately. American football restrictors come in different forms, including supporters with a cage cup, a cage cup worn in boxers, and compression shorts with an integrated cage cup.
Tapes & Underwrap
Tapes and underwraps are designed to reduce friction and protect sensitive skin. American football tapes and underwraps are used to protect injured joints from excessive movement, reduce swelling, support anatomical structures, and protect from re-injury. Taping can also be done to prevent injuries from occurring and provides additional stability during play.
Age and Gender
Compression gear is available for both adult and youth players, ensuring that players of all ages can benefit from the protection and comfort it provides.
Specific Terms or Safety Restrictions
Always ensure that the mouthguards and compression gear you purchase are approved for use in your league. For example, CE-approved products will have the CE marking, which confirms that the product meets the health, safety, and environmental protection standards set by the European Economic Area (EEA).
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