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.
should I wear a mouthguard?
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.
mouthguards prevent injuries?
certain instances (direct blows to the mouth) a mouthguard may lessen
the chance of serious injuries such as concussions,neck injuries, jaw
fractures and brain hemorrhages by helping to avoid situations where the
lower jaw gets jammed into the upper jaw.
are effective in moving soft issue in the oral cavity away from the teeth.
This helps prevent lacerations and bruising of the lips and cheeks, especially
for those who wear orthodontic appliances. Mouthguards greatly decrease
the risk of broken or knocked out teeth.
what sports should I wear a mouthguard?
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.
five sports at the amateur level require mouthguards during practice and
competition: boxing, football, ice hockey, men's lacrosse and women's
don't kids wear mouthguards?
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.
are the different types of mouthguards?
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.
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
lining of the "boiland- 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.
best (and most expensive) choice is a mouthguard custommade by your
dentist. It offers the best protection, fit and comfort level because
it is made from a cast to fit your teeth.
should I care for a mouthguard?
your mouthguard by washing it with soap and warm (not hot) water.
your mouthguard in mouthwash before storing.
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.
is bad for mouthguards, so don't leave it in direct sunlight or in a
bend your mouthguard when storing.
handle or wear someone else's mouthguard.
your dentist who made the mouthguard if there are any problems.
Corner INternet Group, Inc. 1997-2004