Mouth guards protect smiles during sports

  • Published
  • 1st SODS
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  It's easy to take some things for granted until they're suddenly gone ... like teeth. Think about how it would feel if to lose one or two of the front teeth. Smiling would probably be avoided. It would be uncomfortable talking with someone face-to-face. It wouldn't be easy pronouncing certain words. And how about eating an apple?

Each year, thousands of teens get hurt on the playing field, the basketball court, or while skateboarding, biking and participating in other activities. Blows to the face in nearly every sport can injure your teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue.

A properly fitted mouth guard, or mouth protector, is an important piece of athletic gear that can protect a child's teeth and smile. They can often be seen in use during contact sports such as football, boxing and ice hockey.

However, one doesn't have to be on the football field to benefit from a mouth guard. New findings in sports dentistry show that even in non-contact sports such as gymnastics, rollerblading and field hockey, mouth guards help protect teeth. Many experts recommend that a mouth guard be worn for any recreational activity that poses a risk of injury to the mouth. 

There are three types of mouth guards: the ready-made, or stock, mouth guard; the mouth-formed "boil and bite" mouth guard; and the custom-made mouth guard made by a dentist. All three provide protection but vary in comfort and cost.

The most effective mouth guard should have several features: It should be resilient, tear-resistant and comfortable. It should fit properly, be durable and easy to clean and not restrict speech or breathing.

Generally, a mouth guard covers only the upper teeth, but in some cases the dentist will instead make a mouth guard for the lower teeth. The dentist can suggest the right mouth guard.

Here are some suggestions for taking good care of a mouth guard:

- Before and after each use, rinse it with cold water or with an antiseptic mouth rinse. It can also be cleaned with toothpaste and a toothbrush
- When not in use, place the mouth guard in a firm, perforated container. This permits air circulation and helps prevent damage
- Avoid high temperatures, such as hot water, hot surfaces or direct sunlight, which can distort the mouth guard.
- Check it for tears, holes and poor fit. A mouth guard that's torn or in bad shape can irritate the mouth and lessen the amount of protection it provides
- Have regular dental checkups and bring the mouth guard along so the dentist can make sure it's still in good condition