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Mouthguards
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. 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 issue 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.
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 an 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. The procedure takes two
appointments and involves no pain or shots.
How should I care for a mouthguard?
Clean your mouthguard by washing it with soap and warm (not hot) water. Before
storing, soak your mouthguard in mouthwash. · 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. · Heat is bad for mouthguards, so
don't leave it in direct sunlight or in a closed automobile. · Don't bend your
mouthguard when storing. · Don't handle or wear someone else's mouthguard. ·
Call us if you have any questions.
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