Sports/Mouth Guards
An active lifestyle is important in maintaining general health, and should be encouraged. However, participation in physical contact sports can increase the risk of dental and facial trauma. Dental trauma is one of the most serious oral health problems in active children and adolescents. One of the most effective ways of preventing dental trauma during physical activity is through a dental mouth guard or sports guard. Sports Guards are designed to help cushion the mouth, teeth and jaws, preventing significant damage in the event of a sports injury. Wearing a sports guard is an important precaution for athletes of any age and ability.
Mouth Guards will help to prevent:
- Fractured jaws
- Fractured teeth
- Lacerations to the inside of the mouth and tongue
- Damage to the roots of teeth and the supporting bone
- May also help to prevent concussions
Which type of Sports Guard should I get?
It is generally accepted that over the counter sports guards are not sufficiently protective. These sports guards usually don’t fit well and therefore tend not to be worn when injuries occur. A custom-fabricated sports guard is proven to offer the highest level of protection from oralfacial injury. Custom-made sports guards offer the greatest comfort, fit, durability, and protection against dental and head injuries. In addition, custom made Sports Guards come in an array of different colors, and styles.
- A custom made Sports Guard is fabricated from a cast model of your teeth. These custom-made guards are designed to protect the teeth and have been proven to offer the highest level of protection. Mouth guards can cushion falls and blows to the mouth. Custom-made mouth guards may be slightly more expensive than commercially produced mouthpieces, but they offer the best possible fit and protection and are the most comfortable.
- A mouth formed sports guard is generally made of acrylic gel or thermoplastic materials shaped to fit the contours of your teeth. They are placed in boiling water then attempted to be formed and molded to the teeth. They are commercially produced and do not offer the same fit and protection as a custom fitted mouth guard made from a model of the mouth.
- A ready-made stock sports guard is a commercially produced, off-the-shelf mouth guard. They are the least expensive, but also the least comfortable and offer the least amount of protection and are not recommended.
Who should wear a Sports / Mouth Guard?
People who participate in contact sports, in activities where there is a risk of a fall or contact with other players or equipment. People usually accept football or hockey as one of the more riskier sports for injuries to the mouth, yet approximately half of all sports related mouth injuries occur in basketball and baseball.
How often should I replace my sports/mouth guard?
Generally speaking, a mouthguard should be replaced every two to three years.
How should I store my sports/mouth guard?
After wearing the mouth guard, the mouth guard should be rinsed thoroughly with cold or luke warm water. It should be stored in a plastic container to avoid damage. The use of hot water may distort the mouth guard.
