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 Sports
Mouth Guards
(Athletic Mouth Protectors)
Children, teens and their parents experience injuries to their
teeth, jaws, and oral tissues by blows received in contact sports.
A sports mouth guard (athletic mouth protector) is one of the most
important pieces of sports equipment that you or your child will
use. They protect the teeth, lips, tongue, and cheeks from injury.
They also help prevent head, jaw and neck injuries In the last few
years, most sport organizations have made the wearing of a sports
mouth guard or mouth protector mandatory.
Sports that require the use of a mouth guard include those that
offer a risk of falling or of head contact with the equipment or
bodies of other players. We usually think of team sports like hockey
or football as being the most risky sports requiring these appliances
but even sports such as skateboarding, gymnastics, basketball, and
soccer present risks.
There are different types of sports mouth guards available but
the most comfortable and easily worn type is the custom mouth guard
that you can have made at your dental office. It is not only more
comfortable than the “do-it-yourself” types that you
boil to soften and fit but it is also more effective. Ask your dental
hygienist or dentist for the best type for you or your child.
Precautions:
- Rinse with clean water or antibacterial mouthrinse after use
and brush with a toothbrush before storing
- Store the mouth guard in a specially designed container that
allows for air to reach the appliance and one that is hard enough
to resist damage
- Do not boil or leave in hot locations
- Make a habit of wearing the mouth guard whenever you participate
in sports or activities that place you at risk for dental or jaw
injuries
- Have mouth guard replaced if torn or if it no longer fits properly
- Let your dental hygienist or dentist examine the condition
of your appliance at every dental check-up appointment
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