Protect your smile with a mouth guard Published Dec. 19, 2008 By Capt. Paul Smith 60th Dental Squadron TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Each year, thousands of people get hurt on the playing field, the basketball court, or while skateboarding, biking or during other activities. Blows to the face in nearly every sport can cause serious injuries from a simple cut to a jaw fracture. A properly fitted mouth guard, or mouth protector, is an important piece of athletic gear that can protect your teeth and smile. You may have seen them used in contact sports, such as football, basketball, boxing, ice hockey, lacrosse and women's field hockey. There is also some evidence that suggests a mouth guard may aid in preventing concussions. You don't have to be on the football field to benefit from a mouth guard. Findings show that mouth guards help protect teeth even in non-contact sports such as baseball, bicycling, and gymnastics. If you have a child that participates in any sort of physical activity, especially a contact sport, you should consider a mouth guard. Imagine the trauma, cost and time lost treating an injury that may have been prevented with a guard. The three types of mouth guards are: - Ready-made or "stock" mouth guards - Mouth-formed "boil and bite" mouth guards - Custom-made mouth guards created by your dentist All three mouth guards provide protection, but vary in comfort and cost. The most effective mouth guard should have several features. It should be resilient, tear resistant and comfortable. It should fit properly, be durable, easy to clean and not affect your speech and breathing. Generally, a mouth guard covers only the upper teeth, but in some cases the dentist will make a mouth guard for the lower teeth. Your dentist can suggest the right mouth guard for you. If you have a mouth guard, take good care of it with the following steps: - Before and after each use, rinse it with cold water or with antiseptic mouth rinse. You can clean it with your toothpaste and toothbrush too. - When it's not being used, place your mouth guard in a firm, perforated container. This permits air circulation and helps prevent damage. - Avoid high temperatures, such as hot water, hot surfaces or direct sunlight, which can distort the mouth guard. - Check it for tears, and holes and proper fit. A mouth guard that has torn can irritate your mouth and lessen the amount of protection it provides. Basketball season is now going on; please protect your teeth with a mouthguard. There are boil and bite moldable guards available at the dental clinic and at the fitness center. For additional information, contact 60th Dental Squadron's Arthur J. Sachsel Dental clinic at 423-7001.