JP2022080136A - Mouth guard - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a mouth guard capable of sufficiently protecting teeth of a covered part and reducing a user's difficulty in breathing.SOLUTION: Grooves 18 with fixed widths are formed in the lower surfaces of left and right canine end face covering parts 113 and 114, a left occlusion surface covering part 133, and a right occlusion surface covering part 143 of a mouth guard 10. When upper and lower teeth are clenched while the mouth guard 10 is worn, air passages 19 penetrating between the lip and buccal sides and the tongue side in the mouth cavity are formed between the grooves 18 and the teeth of the lower jaw. As the grooves 18 have fixed widths at occlusion contact surfaces, the air passages 19 large enough for the passage of the inhalation and exhalation of the user even when the user clenches the teeth are formed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a mouthguard attached to a tooth, and particularly to a sports mouthguard used during exercise.

Athletes of various sports wear sports mouthguards on their teeth for the purpose of preventing trauma to teeth, jaws, oral cavity, etc. and concussion. In particular, the use of mouthguards is mandatory or recommended in sports that involve physical contact with others, such as boxing, American football, and rugby. Mouthguards for sports cushion external shocks and protect the teeth, the gums that support them, and even the temporomandibular joints. It is also known that when a player attaches a mouthguard to a tooth, the mouthguard engages with the mouthguard, which makes it easier to clench the tooth and helps to exert force.

Sports mouthguards are usually worn only on the maxillary teeth. Its thickness is set to fit within the gap (occlusal elevation amount) of the upper and lower teeth at rest, and the part that hits the mandibular tooth is formed into a shape that matches the mandibular tooth by occlusal adjustment. Therefore, when the upper and lower teeth are engaged with each other by sandwiching the mouth guard attached to the upper jaw, the gaps that serve as ventilation holes through which exhaled air and inhaled air are released are reduced, which makes it difficult to breathe.

As a technique for solving this problem, for example, a mouthguard having a sheet shape that closely covers all the teeth of the maxilla and having a large number of small holes penetrating the entire surface thereof has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). ). In Patent Document 1, this allows exhalation, inspiration or saliva in the oral cavity to pass between the posterior (back surface) and anterior (front surface) of the tooth through the small hole of the mouth guard, that is, the anterior portion and the posterior portion of the oral cavity. It passes smoothly between the side parts. Therefore, even when the mouth guard is worn, it is possible to effectively suppress thirst in the oral cavity, especially when mouth breathing, and it does not interfere with mouth breathing.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-342133

In the mouthguard described in Patent Document 1, when a small hole is present at the position of a gap between teeth, exhaled air, inhalation or saliva is passed through the small hole of the mouth guard to the oral teeth as described therein. Although the effect of smoothly passing between the anterior portion and the posterior portion of the row can be obtained, such an effect cannot be obtained when the small hole is present on the surface of the tooth because it does not become a through hole. Therefore, in order to obtain such an effect more effectively, the number of small holes must be increased, but if this is done, the effect of protecting the teeth, which is the original purpose, cannot be sufficiently obtained.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a mouthguard capable of sufficiently protecting the teeth of the covered portion and reducing the suffocation of the user.

The present invention made to solve the above problems is a mouthguard covering the teeth of the maxilla or mandible, at least between the left and right first molars.
The left occlusal surface covering portion that covers the occlusal surface between the left first molar and the left first premolar, or the right occlusal surface covering portion that covers the occlusal surface between the right first molar and the right first premolar. It is characterized in that a groove having a certain width is formed on either surface so as to penetrate from the buccal side to the lingual side.

Since the mouthguard according to the present invention has the above-mentioned configuration, it is formed on the left occlusal surface covering portion or the right occlusal surface covering portion even when the user wears the mouthguard and bites the upper and lower teeth. The groove creates an air passage between the buccal and lingual sides of the oral cavity. Since this groove has a certain width from the buccal side to the lingual side, a sufficient passage for inspiration and exhalation of the user between the buccal side and the lingual side is sufficiently secured, and it is used when the mouthguard is attached. It is possible to reduce the suffocation of the person.

The mouthguard according to the present invention may be attached only to the upper jaw or may be attached only to the lower jaw. Of course, it may be attached to both the upper jaw and the lower jaw.

Further, it may cover not only the teeth between the left and right first molars but also the gums of those teeth.

Furthermore, it may cover up to the left and right second molars (that is, all teeth).

In the mouth guard according to the present invention, it is preferable that the groove is formed at a position corresponding to the space between the teeth of the left occlusal surface covering portion or the right occlusal surface covering portion.

According to this configuration, the groove can be made deeper, and the user's suffocation when wearing the mouth guard can be further reduced.

In the mouth guard according to the present invention, the groove may be provided at a position corresponding to the occlusal surface of any tooth, and the groove may penetrate from the surface to the occlusal surface.

According to this configuration, a deeper groove can be formed, so that even if the user bites the upper and lower teeth and the shape around the groove is deformed, a sufficient ventilation path is secured for inspiration and exhalation. be able to.

In the mouth guard according to the present invention, it is desirable to provide a plurality of the grooves. When it is formed at a position corresponding to the space between teeth as described above, it can be formed between all teeth, and when it is formed on the occlusal surface as described above, it can be formed on the occlusal surface of all teeth.

According to the mouth guard according to the present invention, it is possible to cover and guard the entire tooth except for the groove portion and reduce the suffocation of the user.

The bottom view of the mouth guard which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The right side view of the mouth guard which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. FIG. 1 is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. The photograph explaining the wearing state of the mouth guard which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The bottom view of the mouth guard which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The right side view of the mouth guard which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. The photograph explaining the wearing state of the mouth guard which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the mouthguard according to the present invention will be described. Here, an embodiment in which the mouthguard according to the present invention is applied to a sports mouthguard used for protecting the oral cavity of athletes in competitions such as boxing, American football, and rugby will be described. Of course, it can also be applied to general mouthguards used to protect teeth, gums and jaws from bruxism. Moreover, the embodiment described below is an example embodying the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

<First Embodiment>
The mouthguard 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

The mouthguard 10 according to the present embodiment is configured to cover all the teeth and gums of the maxilla, and is generally manufactured as follows.

First, a working model is created using the impressions (tooth patterns of all teeth) taken from the teeth and gums of the upper and lower jaws of the mouthguard user. Subsequently, a sheet material made of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyolefin, etc., which is a material for the mouth guard, is stretched along the surface of the working model of the upper jaw and molded using a molding machine. Then, the molded sheet material is removed from the working model, trimmed, and then surface-treated. As a result, a molded product having a shape similar to that of the finished product of the mouth guard can be obtained. This molded product is attached to a working model of the upper jaw, and occlusal adjustment is performed using the working models of the upper and lower jaws so that the occlusal contact surface with the teeth of the lower jaw is shaped appropriately for the user. Further, as will be described in detail later, the groove 18 which is a characteristic structure of the present invention is formed on the occlusal contact surface. This gives the mouthguard 10 in a substantially U shape as a whole, having an inner space 16 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) in which the maxillary teeth are housed. The shape of the inner space 16 and the outer shape of the mouth guard 10 correspond to the shape of the teeth of the user's upper jaw.

The above-mentioned mouse guard 10 is roughly divided into an anterior tooth covering portion 11 covering the anterior tooth portion (left and right middle incisors, lateral incisions and dog teeth) and a left molar portion (between the left second molar and the left first premolar). ), And the right molar covering portion 14 covering the right molar portion (between the right second premolar and the right first premolar). The anterior tooth covering portion 11 includes a labial side covering portion 111 that covers the labial side surface of the anterior tooth portion, an anterior tongue side surface covering portion 112 that covers the tongue side surface of the anterior tooth portion, and a left canine end surface that covers the tip portions of the left and right canines of the anterior tooth portion. It is composed of a covering portion 113 and a right canine end face covering portion 114. The left molar covering portion 13 includes a left buccal lateral covering portion 131 that covers the buccal side surface of the left molar portion, a left lingual side covering portion 132 that covers the lingual side surface of the left molar portion, and a left occlusal surface that covers the occlusal surface of the left molar portion. It is composed of a covering portion 133. The right molar covering portion 14 includes a right buccal lateral covering portion 141 that covers the buccal side of the right molar portion, a right lingual side covering portion 142 that covers the lingual side of the right molar portion, and a right occlusal surface that covers the occlusal surface of the right molar portion. It is composed of a covering portion 143.

Of the inner space 16 of the mouth guard 10, the front tooth covering portion 11, the left molar covering portion 13, and the right molar covering portion 14 are provided with ridge portions 17 corresponding to the shapes between the teeth to be covered on the inner side surfaces thereof. Has been done. When the mouthguard 10 is attached to the teeth and gums of the upper jaw, the ridge portion 17 is adapted to enter between the teeth.

Further, the mouth guard 10 is provided with recesses formed by occlusal adjustment on the occlusal contact surface which is the lower surface of the left and right canine end surface covering portions 113, 114, the left occlusal surface covering portion 133, and the right occlusal surface covering portion 143. Has been done.

Further, a total of 12 grooves 18 are formed on the lower surfaces of the left and right canine end surface covering portions 113, 114, the left occlusal surface covering portion 133, and the right occlusal surface covering portion 143, three each (FIG. 1 and FIG. 1 and FIG. See Figure 2). Each of these grooves 18 is formed in a portion corresponding between the teeth so as to cross the mouth guard 10 in a direction intersecting the dentition, and both ends thereof are formed on the labial side surface and the left and right buccal side surfaces. It reaches the covering portions 111, 131, 141 to be covered and the covering portions 112, 132, 142 covering the side surface of the tongue. The groove 18 has a certain width at least on the lower surfaces of the left and right canine end surface covering portions 113, 114, the left occlusal surface covering portion 133, and the right occlusal surface covering portion 143. The width is set to 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. Furthermore, a groove 181 having a constant width is formed in the tongue side surface covering portion 112 of the anterior tooth covering portion 11 along the median plane. One end of the groove 181 reaches the lip side surface covering portion 111. Similar to the groove 18, the width of the groove 181 is also set to a width of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm in the case of a mouthguard for an adult male, for example.

The grooves 18 and 181 are deeper than the recesses, but are formed by cutting the occlusal contact surface using, for example, an instrument used in polishing work in occlusal adjustment so as not to penetrate the mouthguard 10. Since the above-mentioned ridge portion 17 exists on the inner surface of the portion where the grooves 18 and 181 are formed, the grooves 18 and 181 deeper than the recesses can be formed.

The length of the mouth guard 10 in the vertical direction of the lip side surface covering portion 111, the left buccal side surface covering portion 131, and the right buccal side surface covering portion 141 is set to a length that covers almost the entire teeth and gums. ing. Further, the front tongue side surface covering portion 112, the left tongue side surface covering portion 132, and the right tongue side surface covering portion 142 are all configured to have a length that covers the teeth and hardly covers the gums. With such a configuration, the mouth guard 10 protects the teeth and gums from impact on the labial and buccal sides, and the discomfort caused by the tongue hitting the mouth guard 10 on the lingual side is reduced.

When the mouse guard 10 according to the present embodiment is attached, first, the inner side surface of the anterior tooth covering portion 11 is brought into close contact with the surfaces of the left and right incisors (central incisors and side incisors), and the anterior tooth covering portion 11 is moved to the left and right. Fit into the incisors and the left and right canines. Next, the left and right molar coverings 13 and 14 are placed in close contact with the buccal, lingual, and occlusal surfaces of the left and right first premolars, respectively, from the left and right first premolars. Fit into one premolar and left and right second molars, respectively. At this time, the ridge portion 17 is inserted into the corresponding tooth gap. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the mouthguard 10 according to the present embodiment is attached to the upper jaw of the working model.

When the upper and lower teeth are engaged with the mouth guard 10 attached, as shown in FIG. 5, it penetrates between the groove 18 and the lower jaw tooth, and between the labial side and the buccal side and the lingual side in the oral cavity. The air passage 19 is formed. Further, an air passage 19 is also formed between one end of the groove 181 and the teeth of the lower jaw. Since the grooves 18 and 181 have a certain width in the occlusal contact surface and are deeper than the recess for adjusting the occlusal, even if the user strongly clenches the teeth, the user's inspiration and exhalation can pass sufficiently. An air passage 19 having a large size is secured. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the suffocation of the user wearing the mouth guard 10 during sports competition. In addition, since it becomes easier to breathe, it becomes easier to speak, so that it is possible to have a conversation with other athletes without any trouble during the competition.

<Second Embodiment>
The mouth guard 50 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9. The same members or parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The mouth guard 50 of the present embodiment is provided with a groove 58 on the surface of the occlusal contact surface corresponding to the occlusal surface of the maxillary teeth. Specifically, the left occlusal surface covering portion 133 of the left molar tooth covering portion 13 and the right occlusal surface covering portion 143 of the right molar tooth covering portion 14 are grooved at locations corresponding to the two premolars and the two molars, respectively. 58 is provided. That is, the mouth guard 50 of the present embodiment has a total of eight grooves 58.

Each of the above grooves 58 is formed at a position corresponding to the occlusal surface of each molar so as to cross the mouth guard 50 in the direction intersecting the dentition, and both ends are the labial side surface and the left and right buccal side surfaces. It reaches the covering portions 131 and 141 that cover the lingual surface and the covering portions 132 and 142 that cover the side surface of the tongue. The groove 58 has a certain width at least on the lower surfaces of the left occlusal surface covering portion 133 and the right occlusal surface covering portion 143, and for example, in the case of a mouth guard for an adult male, the width is 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm. It is set. The width of the groove 58 is preferably about 1/3 to 1/2 of the width of the molars of the user of the mouth guard 50. Therefore, the width of the groove 58 may be set according to the position of the groove 58, and the widths of all the grooves 58 do not have to be the same.

The portions of the groove 58 located in the left occlusal surface covering portion 133 and the right occlusal surface covering portion 143 penetrate the mouth guard 50, whereby a through hole 581 is formed. As described above, in the present embodiment, since the groove 58 is formed in the portion of the mouth guard 50 corresponding to the occlusal surface of the molars, the mouth guard 50 is in a state where the ridge portion 17 provided in the inner space 16 is left as it is. The groove 58 can be made deeper and wider as it penetrates the groove 58.

Further, the mouse guard 50 of the present embodiment includes a portion of the anterior tongue side surface covering portion 112 of the anterior tooth covering portion 11 corresponding to the left and right canines, a portion corresponding to the space between the left middle incisor and the lateral incisor, and a portion corresponding to the side incisor. Through grooves 60 (that is, a total of four through grooves 60) are formed at corresponding locations between the right middle incisor and the side incisor. These through grooves 60 penetrate the mouth guard 50, and one end thereof reaches the left and right canine end face covering portions 113 and 114.

FIG. 9 shows a state in which the mouthguard 50 according to the present embodiment is attached to the upper jaw of the working model. When the upper and lower teeth are engaged with the mouth guard 50 attached, as shown in FIG. 9, the air penetrating between the buccal side and the lingual side in the oral cavity between the groove 58 and the lower jaw tooth. A passage 59 is formed. Since the groove 58 of the present embodiment is wider and deeper than the grooves 18 and 181 of the first embodiment, it is possible to secure an air passage 59 in a larger space when the user clenches strongly. Further, in the present embodiment, when the front tooth covering portion 11 is pressed by the user strongly clenching, the through groove 60 provided in the front tongue side surface covering portion 112 communicates with the outside of the oral cavity at the lower end portion, and exhalation. An intake passage is secured. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the suffocation of the user wearing the mouth guard 50 during sports competition, and it is possible to have a conversation with other athletes without any trouble.

In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the mouthguard covering all the teeth up to the second molar of the maxilla has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The position of the trailing edge of the mouth guard may be changed according to the wearing feeling of the user, the degree of tooth growth, the competition level, etc., or may be a mouth guard that covers between the left and right first molars.

Further, the number of grooves provided in the mouth guard can be appropriately changed. In addition, a part of the grooves provided in the mouth guard may be provided at a position corresponding to the occlusal surface of the teeth, and a part of the grooves may be provided between the teeth.

Further, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, an example in which a groove is provided in a custom-made mouth guard has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to a ready-made mouth guard.

10, 50 ... Mouse guard 11 ... Anterior tooth covering 111 ... Lip side covering 112 ... Anterior tongue side covering 13 ... Left premolar covering 131 ... Left buccal side covering 132 ... Left tongue side covering 133 ... Left occlusal surface covering Part 14… Right molar covering part 141… Right buccal side covering part 142… Right tongue side covering part 143… Right occlusal surface covering part 16… Inner space 17… Spike part 18,181,58… Groove 19,59… Air passage 581 ... Through hole 60 ... Through groove

Claims (4)

A mouthguard that covers the teeth of the maxilla or mandible, at least between the left and right first molars.
The left occlusal surface covering portion that covers the occlusal surface between the left first molar and the left first premolar, or the right occlusal surface covering portion that covers the occlusal surface between the right first molar and the right first premolar. A mouth guard characterized in that a groove of a certain width is formed on either surface from the buccal side to the lingual side. In the mouthguard according to claim 1,
The groove is a mouth guard formed at a position corresponding to the space between the teeth of the left occlusal surface covering portion or the right occlusal surface covering portion. In the mouthguard according to claim 1,
A mouthguard in which the groove is provided at a position corresponding to the occlusal surface of any tooth, and the groove penetrates from the surface to the occlusal surface. In the mouthguard according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
A plurality of the grooves are provided as mouth guards.

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