Keep a Healthy Smile for a Lifetime, Wear a Mouth Guard Can you imagine being in a car crash without having a seat belt on? It’s the same trauma for your teeth and mouth when you don’t use a mouth guard in sports. Studies show that athletes are 60 times more likely to injure their teeth if they are not wearing a mouth guard. Collision and contact sports like basketball and football pose as high-risk activities, especially for the mouth. But dental injuries can occur in non-contact activities, such as gymnastics and skating too. When it comes to protecting your mouth, a mouth guard is a key piece of athletic gear that should be part of your standard equipment from an early age. Mouth guards aren’t required in every sport, but parents still need to be aware of their importance and make sure their child wears a mouth guard during every practice and game. Mouth guards are essential because they help cushion a blow to the face minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw. They normally cover the upper teeth and are a great way to protect the mouth’s soft tissues. There are three types of mouth guards to choose from: • Custom-fitted. These are made by dentists and are customized to the mouth of the patient. While they cost more than the other two versions, custom-fitted mouth guards also offer the most protection, which can ultimately save money if an injury does happen. • Boil and bite. These mouth protectors are available at sporting goods stores and can offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. The mouth protector is softened in boiling water, and then inserted into the mouth to conform to the shape of the athlete’s teeth and mouth. • Stock. These are the least expensive and come pre-formed, ready to wear. They can be bulky, make breathing and talking difficult, besides offering minimal protection. The American Dental Association says a properly fitted mouth guard is very important for people who wear braces or have fixed bridgework. Getting hit in the face could damage brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. A mouth guard provides a shield between the braces and the cheek or lips, limiting the potential risk of soft tissue injuries. If your kids are already wearing a mouth guard, make sure that they are properly taking care of it. If not, there is a risk of gum infection or illness due to bacterial growth. Tips for keeping mouth guards clean: • Rinse before and after each use or brush with a toothbrush and toothpaste. • Occasionally clean the mouth guard in cool, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. • Transport the mouth guard in a sturdy container that has vents. • Never leave the mouth guard in the sun or in hot water. • Check for wear and tear to see if it needs replacing. Our smiles are with us for a lifetime, and well-maintained teeth are essential to overall health and wellbeing. Education is key to keeping your smile healthy and protected.
Posted on: Mon, 16 Sep 2013 17:56:13 +0000
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