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Mouth guards
 What
is a mouth guard?
A mouth guard 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 mouth guard?
To protect your mouth from injuries. The dental profession unanimously supports
the use of mouth guards in a variety of sports activities. each year.
Do mouth guards prevent injuries?
A mouth guard 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.
Mouth guards 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 mouth guard?
Anytime there is a strong chance for contact with other participants or hard
surfaces, it is advisable to wear a mouth guard. 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 mouth guards while competing.
Currently, five sports at the amateur level require mouth guards during practice
and competition: boxing, football, ice hockey, men's lacrosse and women's field
hockey.
Why don't kids wear mouth guards?
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 mouth guards for
their contact sports. Cost may be another consideration, although mouth guards
come in a variety of price ranges.
What are the different types of mouth guards?
Stock mouth guard
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 mouth guard requires that the jaw be closed to hold it in
place. A stock mouth guard is not considered acceptable as an facial protective
device.
Mouth-formed protectors
 These mouth
guards 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" mouth guard is immersed in boiling water for
10-45 seconds, transferred to cold water and then adapted to the teeth. The
"boil-and-bite" mouth guard is used by more than 90 percent of athletes who use
mouth guards. 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 mouth guard 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 mouth guard?
Clean your mouth guard by washing it with soap and warm (not hot) water. Before
storing, soak your mouth guard in mouthwash. Keep your mouth guard in a
well-ventilated plastic storage box when not in use. Make sure the box has
several holes so the mouth guard will dry. Heat is bad for mouth guards, so
don't leave it in direct sunlight or in a closed automobile. Don't bend your
mouth guard when storing. Don't handle or wear someone else's mouth guard. Call us if you have any questions.
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