Use mouthguards to protect smile

  • Published
  • By Capt. [Dr.] Eric Smith
  • 60th Dental Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Each year, thousands of teens 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 injure teeth, lips, cheek and tongue. 

A properly fitted mouth guard, or mouth protector, is an important piece of athletic gear that can protect a person’s teeth and smile. Mouth guards are commonly used in contact sports, such as football, boxing, ice hockey, lacrosse and women’s field hockey. 

However, many experts now recommend that a mouth guard be worn for any recreational activity that poses a risk of injury to the mouth. 

The three types of mouth guards are: 

(1) The ready-made or “stock” mouth guard 

(2) The mouth-formed “boil and bite” mouth guard 

(3) The custom-made mouth guard 

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 and easy to clean, and not affect speech and breathing. 

Generally, a mouth guard covers only the upper teeth, but in some cases a dentist will also make a mouth guard for the lower teeth. The dentist can suggest the right mouth guard. 

Individuals who have a mouth guard should take good care of it: 

- Before and after each use, rinse it with cold water or with antiseptic mouth rinse. Clean it with toothpaste and toothbrush is also an option. 

- When it’s not being used, place the 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 to see whether it has become loose. A mouth guard that has torn can cause irritation and provides less protection. 

For more information, contact the 60th Dental Squadron at 423-7001.