What is a mouthguard?
A mouthguard is a flexible appliance made out of plastic that is
worn in athletic and recreational activities to protect teeth
from trauma.Why should
I wear a mouthguard?
To protect your mouth from injuries. The dental profession
unanimously supports the use of mouthguards in a variety of
sports activities. More than 200,000 injuries to the mouth and
jaw occur each year.
Do mouthguards prevent
Injuries?
A mouthguard can prevent serious injuries such as concussions,
cerebral hemorrhages, incidents of unconsciousness, jaw
fractures and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where
the lower jaw gets jammed into the upper jaw. Mouthguards are
effective in moving soft tissue in the oral cavity away from the
teeth, preventing laceration and bruising of the lips and
cheeks, especially for those who wear orthodontic appliances.
In what sports should I wear a
mouthguard?
Anytime there is a strong chance for contact with other
participants or hard surfaces, it is advisable to wear a
mouthguard. Players who participate in basketball, softball,
wrestling, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, in-line skating, and martial
arts as well as recreational sports such as skateboarding and
bicycling should wear mouthguards while competing.
Currently, five sports at the
amateur level require mouthguards during practice and
competition: boxing, football, ice hockey, men’s lacrosse and
women’s field hockey.
Why don’t kids wear
mouthguards?
Parents are sometimes uninformed about the level of contact and
potential for serious dental injuries involved with sports in
which the child participates. Some, though not all schools,
reinforce the health advantage of mouthguards for their contact
sports. Cost may be another consideration, although mouthguards
come in a variety of price ranges. |
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What are the different types of
mouthguards?
Stock mouthguard:
The lowest cost option is a stock item, which offers the least
protection because the fit adjustment is limited. It may
interfere with speech and breathing because this mouthguard
requires that the jaw be closed to hold it in place. A stock
mouthguard is not considered acceptable as a facial protective
device.Mouth-formed
protectors: These
mouthguards come as a shell-liner and "boil-and bite" product.
The shell is lined with acrylic or rubber. When placed in an
athlete’s mouth, the protector’s lining material molds to the
teeth and is allowed to set. The lining of the "boil-and-bite"
mouthguard is immersed in boiling water for 10-45 seconds,
transferred to cold water and then adapted to the teeth. The
"boil-and-bite" mouthguard is used by more than 90 percent of
athletes who use mouthguards. While they are less expensive than
custom-made guards, the fit is not as good and they do not last
as long.
Custom-made mouth protectors:
The best choice is a mouthguard custom-made by your dentist. It
offers the best protection, fit and comfort level because it is
made from a cast to fit your teeth.
How should I care for a
mouthguard?
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Clean your mouthguard by washing it with soap and warm (not
hot) water. |
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Before storing, soak your mouthguard in mouthwash. |
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Keep your mouthguard in a well-ventilated plastic storage
box when not in use. Make sure the box has several holes so
the mouthguard will dry. |
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Heat is bad for mouthguards, so don’t leave it in direct
sunlight or in a closed automobile. |
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Don’t bend your mouthguard when storing. |
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Don’t handle or wear someone else’s mouthguard. |
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Call your dentist who made the mouthguard if there are any
problems |
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