Mouthguards

Getting the Bite on Mouthguards

Helmets, knee pads, shin guards… if you’re an avid athlete or the parent of one, you know the importance of these proper protective gear. But did you know that up to 40 percent of all sports injuries involve the face?

The face is perhaps the most important part of a person’s image, self-confidence, and sometimes success, so it’s better to be safe than… toothless! Protect your child’s smile with a comfortable, custom-molded mouthguard to dramatically reduce the risk of sports-related oral injury.

ADA & ASD Advice
The American Dental Association and the Academy of Sports Dentistry recommend mouthguards for athletes who participate in the following:

What is a Mouthguard?

A mouthguard is a comfortable piece of athletic gear that fits over your teeth and helps protect your smile, lips, tongue, face, and jaw. New research indicates mouthguards can even reduce the severity of concussions.

While hockey, boxing, and rugby players obviously benefit from mouthguards, those who bicycle, weightlift, or perform gymnasts made the ADA’s list of athletes who need mouthguards. Before facemasks and mouthguards were required in football, half of all player injuries were in the mouth. During the season, players had a one in ten chance of mouth injury. Once high schools and colleges required facemasks and mouthguards, the number of injuries reported dropped by 200,000 per year. Therefore, dentists and the ADA recommend mouthguards for adults and children in any recreational activity that poses the risk of injury to your mouth.

Before you purchase any mouthguard, talk to your dentist. Special mouthguards or mouth protectors are recommended for patients with braces, removable bridges or dentures, a protruding jaw, or a cleft palate.

Types of Mouthguards

Ready-Made Mouthguards
Department and sporting goods stores carry a wide variety of ready-made mouthguards. These generic mouthguards are inexpensive and seem like a good choice. Unfortunately because they are not custom-fitted, they may be bulky and uncomfortable in the mouth. Additionally, ready-made mouthguards are secured by closed jaws, which makes speaking and breathing difficult.

Mouth-Formed Mouthguards
If you’re looking for a more custom fit, you might consider mouth-formed mouthguards. Acrylic, shell liner mouthguards provide a comfortable and secure fit over your natural teeth. Unfortunately, many users report these mouthguard have an unpleasant odor or taste. They can also harden over time and lose flexibility.

Another type of mouth-formed mouthguard, the thermoplastic style, can be customized by heating it in water, then biting it. It will take on the shape of your bite. While these maintain their flexibility, they can feel bulky.

Custom-Made Mouthguards
The best solution, custom-made mouthguards, are comfortable, practical, and protective. A dentist or lab technician creates the custom-made mouthguard after taking impressions of your teeth.

Mouthguard Care
Children should always wear their mouthguard during practice and games. Mouthguards should never be chewed because it may weaken the material and decrease its effectiveness. Holes, tears, and damage to the mouthguard may irritate gums or soft tissue. If you notice damage, replace the mouthguard immediately.

Before and after each use, check the mouthguard for damage and rinse it with cold water or mouthwash. They also should be regularly cleaned with a toothbrush and toothpaste or in a solution of soapy water. Be sure to rinse it well and store it in a firm, perforated container. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or high temperatures.

Most importantly, schedule regular dental checkups… including one right before the playing season. Bring along the mouthguard for inspection by the dentist and also any questions or concerns you may have.

Change Your Smile… Change Your Life. Your health AND your confidence result from an exquisite smile. Schedule today to explore the dozens of options for dazzling teeth. Our serene, spa-like office in Lansing serves Grand Ledge, Holt, Okemos, East Lansing, and neighboring communities with unrivaled personal service for life-changing smiles.