According to the American Dental Association, an athlete is 60 times more likely to have a tooth injury when not wearing a protective mouth guard. A mouth guard is designed to help buffer the mouth and teeth from trauma. It is an important piece of gear that should not be overlooked during participation in sports.
Wearing a mouth guard is common in contact sports such as football, boxing, hockey and basketball. But a protective mouth guard can also be beneficial in non-contact sports, such as snow skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, soccer and bicycling.
Choosing a Mouth Guard
There are 3 types of mouth guards to choose from:
- Ready-made
- Boil and bite
- Custom (made by a dentist)
When choosing a mouth guard, keep in mind that a custom mouth guard from your dentist is designed to offer superior protection.
These guidelines can help you choose the right mouth guard. Make sure that the mouth guard:
- is comfortable and fits well
- is resistant to tearing or ripping
- doesn’t impair breathing
- doesn’t hamper speech
- can be easily cleaned
Taking Care of a Mouth Guard
After investing in a mouth guard, it is important to take care of it by following these tips:
- Keep your mouth guard in a vented and sturdy container.
- Rinse thoroughly before and after use, or brush with toothpaste and a toothbrush.
- Replace your mouth guard if it becomes worn out.
- Never leave it in the sun or in hot temperatures.
- On occasion, use cool soapy water to clean your mouth guard, being sure to rinse it thoroughly.
Since studies have linked almost a third of dental injuries to sports-related activities, a mouth guard is an important piece of sports gear that should be chosen carefully and taken care of properly.
Sources:
American Dental Association, 13 September 2007.
