|
The school year has quickly come underway, and with the start of a new year many students will join sports teams or other recreational activities. While participating in these events, there are situations in which you, or your child, may damage their teeth. It is important to protect those smiles with mouthguards whenever possible because anyone who participates in a sport that carries a significant risk of injury should wear a mouth protector. Sports like basketball, baseball, football, hockey, gymnastics, and volleyball all pose risks to your gum tissues, as well as your teeth. We typically think that football and hockey are the most dangerous for teeth, but nearly half of sports-related mouth injuries occur in basketball and baseball. A mouthguard can help to prevent serious injuries such as concussions, cerebral hemorrhages, incidents of unconsciousness, jaw fractures and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw gets jammed into the upper jaw. What are Mouthguards and How do They Help? A mouthguard is a flexible appliance that is worn in athletic and recreational activities to protect teeth from trauma. The use of a mouthguard are effective in moving soft tissue in the oral cavity away from the teeth, preventing laceration and bruising of the lips and cheeks, especially for those who wear orthodontic appliances. Anytime there is a strong chance for contact with other participants or hard surfaces, it is advisable to wear a mouthguard. Mouthguards come in three different styles - stock, boil and bite, and custom-fitted. Stock mouthguards are inexpensive and come pre-formed, ready to wear. Unfortunately, these don't always fit very well. They can also be bulky and make breathing and talking difficult. Boil and bite mouthguards can be bought at many sporting goods stores and may offer a better fit than stock mouthguards. They are to be softened in water, then inserted and allowed to adapt to the shape of your mouth. If you do not follow the directions carefully you can end up with a poor-fitting mouthguard. A custom-fitted mouthguard is created by your dentist for your individual mouth. They are more expensive, but they can offer a better fit than anything you can buy off the shelf. Custom-fitted mouthguards are the best choice for protection, fit and comfort as it is made from a cast to fit your teeth.
Keep Your Mouthguard Clean for Better Protection According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) some 200,000 cases annually have reported that mouthguards have averted oral injuries and cut the risk of concussion by 50 percent. On the other hand, you should be aware of the importance of proper maintenance, cleanliness and care to prevent disease transmission and infection. Everything that a microorganism needs to survive, including food and water, can be found in a mouthguard. Even though mouthguards appear solid, they are very porous, like a sponge, and with use, microorganisms invade these porosities. Mouthguard maintenance includes: * Brush teeth before wearing a mouthguard
* Never share a mouthguard with teammates
* During sporting events, have a backup mouthguard
* Purchase disposable mouthguards
* Clean mouthguards before storing them If you are participating in any sports this school year talk to your dentist in Dubuque for more information on an appropriate mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury. For those who wish to show off their school spirit, their Dubuque dentist offers mouthguards to match school colors.
Dubuque Dental Associates, dentists in Dubuque, are committed to providing patients with optimal care with each member of the dental team working with Dubuque Dental for a number of years. They provide services including Invisalign, teeth whitening and crowns in Dubuque, among an array of others.
|
