Alright, let’s talk about these basketball mouthguard clear things. You know, the things them young’uns stick in their mouths when they’re runnin’ around like crazy on the court. I ain’t no expert, mind you, but I seen enough games and heard enough chatter to tell ya a thing or two.
First off, why clear? Well, I reckon it’s ’cause folks wanna see them pearly whites, or at least, whatever teeth they got left after all that bumpin’ and grindin’ on the court. Makes sense, I guess. Nobody wants a big ol’ colored thing blockin’ their smile, even if it’s just for a little while. And the refs, they gotta see if you’re grinnin’ or grimacin’, you know, to make sure you ain’t hurt too bad. Plus, some of them fancy teams, they got rules about what colors you can wear, so clear just keeps it simple.
- Types of Mouthguards
Now, there’s different kinds of these mouthguard thingamajigs. Some are just ready to go, right outta the package. You stick ’em in, and that’s it. But them, they might not fit so good. You don’t want it wobblin’ around like a loose tooth, now do ya? Then there’s the kind you gotta boil. Yeah, boil ‘em! You heard right. You dunk ‘em in hot water, they get all soft and squishy, then you bite down and they shape to your mouth. Sounds kinda weird, but I hear it works pretty good. Like gettin’ a new set of teeth, but you can take ‘em out whenever you want. They say these “boil and bite” ones are better ’cause they fit tighter and don’t fall out when you’re jumpin’ and shovin’. And then there’s the real fancy ones, the ones them pro players wear. Custom-made, they call ’em. Like gettin’ a suit tailored, but for your mouth. They cost a pretty penny, but I guess if you’re gettin’ paid the big bucks, you want the best protection you can get. I heard even that King James fella, he got his own special mouthguard. Guess if it’s good enough for him, it’s good enough for anybody.
Most of these mouth thingies, they just cover the top teeth. ‘Cause them top ones stick out more, I guess. Easy targets, like a chicken in a fox den. But some folks, they need ’em on the bottom too. If you grind your teeth at night, or if you got them braces on, then you need somethin’ to cover all around. Doctor knows best, they say.
- Protection and Comfort
And speaking of protection, that’s the whole point, ain’t it? Keep them teeth from gettin’ knocked out. ‘Cause let me tell ya, losin’ a tooth ain’t no fun. Can’t eat corn on the cob, can’t smile pretty for the pictures. A good mouthguard, it’s gotta be tough, gotta be able to take a hit. But it also gotta be comfortable. Can’t be gaggin’ and chokin’ while you’re tryin’ to make a basket, now can ya? So, it’s gotta be thin enough, but strong enough. Like a good pair of work boots – gotta protect your feet but can’t be clompin’ around like a horse. Some of these mouthguards are made with some fancy materials, no BPA they say, made in the USA. Sounds fancy, but as long as it keeps them teeth safe, that’s all that matters.
You can find these mouthguards all over the place. Drugstores, sporting goods stores, even online. And they don’t cost an arm and a leg, unless you go for them fancy custom ones. You can get a couple for just a few dollars, or you can spend a whole lot more. It all depends on what you want, and what you need. You get what you pay for I always say. If you want to protect those teeth, gotta invest a little. Don’t be cheap on somethin’ this important.
So, if you got young’uns playin’ basketball, or any sport where they might get a smack in the face, get ’em a mouthguard, a clear basketball mouthguard if they want to show off their smile. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. And tell ’em to keep it clean, too. Nobody wants a mouth full of germs. Wash it off after every game, and keep it in a case so it don’t get lost or dirty. Simple as that.
Now, I ain’t no doctor or a basketball star, just an old woman who’s seen a thing or two. But common sense is common sense, and protecting your teeth is just plain smart. So go on, get yourself one of them mouthguards, and keep that smile lookin’ good.
Tags: [basketball mouthguard, clear mouthguard, sports safety, teeth protection, athletic gear, basketball equipment, boil and bite mouthguard, custom mouthguard, mouthguard for braces, youth sports]