Park
Cities Dental
"The
Art and Science of a Healthy Smile"
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.
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 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.
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
your dentist who made the mouthguard if there are any problems.