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Mouthguards
FAQs
Why wear a mouthguard?
Mouthguards reduce the incidence of injuries to the teeth and mouth.
Most dental injuries sustained by athletes are preventable. The loss of
one tooth over a patient's lifetime may cost thousands of dollars, many
times the cost of the most expensive custom mouthguard. It would save
the patient much time in the dental chair, as well as other dental
complications associated with the loss of teeth. In addition, wearing a
mouthguard reduces the incidence of concussion as a result of a blow to
the jaw.
What are the characteristics of a good
mouthguard?
A mouthguard generally covers the upper teeth. It should fit well with
excellent retention. It should be comfortable and not interfere with
breathing or speech. A good mouthguard should be durable, protect all
the teeth and have adequate thickness in critical areas. Other qualities
to look for are resilience, tear resistance and ease of cleaning. A well
fitting mouthguard will stay in the participant's mouth where it belongs
and not affect athletic performance.
What are the types of
mouthguards?
- Stock protectors are ready to wear. They are the
least expensive but can be bulky, ill fitting and uncomfortable.
- Boil and bite mouthguards are first softened and
then placed in the mouth for adaptation. These should be made with a
great deal of care to ensure that they are protecting all the teeth and
are not too bulky in the wrong places.
- Custom fitted mouth protectors are made from a cast
of the patient's mouth. They are more expensive than the above types of
guards, but can be made to have excellent fit, retention and comfort.
Thickness will depend on the type of custom fitted mouthguard
fabricated.
- Laboratory pressure laminated mouthguards are a
more advanced custom mouthguard. They are made by laminating two or
three layers of material to achieve maximum thickness and
protection.
Who should wear a
mouthguard?
Anyone (adult or child) who participates in a sport or recreational
activity that contains the risk of sustaining injury to the teeth or jaw
should wear a mouthguard. Participants in organized sports such as
football, ice hockey, field hockey, basketball, baseball, gymnastics,
wrestling, lacrosse, in-line skating, martial arts, soccer and others
should wear mouthguards. Mouthguards have long been associated with
contact sports but also protect participants of non-contact sporting
activities as well.
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, an
athlete is 70 times more likely to sustain damage to teeth when not
wearing a mouthguard and almost one-third of all dental injuries are
sports-related. During a single athletic season, athletes have a 1 in 10
chance of suffering a facial or dental injury.
Can a mouthguard be worn with
braces?
It is very important to wear a mouthguard. In addition to providing the
usual protection to the teeth and mouth, it will reduce the risk of
lacerations from orthodontic wires and brackets as well as damage to
these appliances. Consult your PDA member dentist or orthodontist, since
factors such as tooth eruption and movement may have to be
considered.
How should a mouthguard be cared
for?
A mouthguard can be cleaned with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Clean
occasionally with cold soapy water and rinse thoroughly. It is best to
avoid hot water or hot surfaces to minimize distortion. Do not leave in
direct sunlight or in a closed automobile as it can be damaged by
exposure to heat. The mouthguard can also be soaked in mouthwash before
storing. Check for tears or holes. Prior to and after each use, rinse
with cold water. Store in a well-ventilated plastic storage box. Do not
bend while storing.
When should a mouthguard be
replaced?
If a mouthguard no longer fits, has tears or holes and is a source of
discomfort, it should be replaced. Consult your PDA member dentist for
needed replacement of a custom mouthguard.
Resources
Academy of General Dentistry
Academy for Sports Dentistry
American Dental Association:
Mouthguards
Mouthguards
Can Save the Day
| mouthguards, sports, boil and bite, custom fitted, laboratory pressure laminated |
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