dental
bulletin #8
mouthguards
Some
of the children we treat through our school-based dental program
have chipped or even missing teeth. This damage may have been
preventable through the use of a mouthguard.
A mouthguard is a flexible appliance made out of plastic that is
worn in athletic and recreational activities to protect teeth from
trauma.
To protect the
mouth from injuries, the dental profession unanimously supports the
use of mouthguards in a variety of sports activities. More than
200,000 injuries to the mouth and jaw occur each year.
A mouthguard can 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. Mouthguards are effective in moving
soft issue 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.
Players who participate in basketball, soft ball, football,wrestling,
soccer, lacrosse, rugby, in-line skating, martial arts as well as
recreational sports such as skateboarding, and bicycling should wear
mouthguards while competing.
Parents are sometimes uninformed about the level of contact and
potential for serious dental injuries involved with sports in which
the child participates. Some, though not all schools, reinforce the
health advantage of mouthguards for their contact sports. Cost may
be another consideration, although mouthguards come in a variety of
price ranges.
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Stock mouthguard
The lowest cost option is a stock item, which offers the
least protection because the fit adjustment is limited. It
may interfere with speech and breathing because this
mouthguard requires that the jaw be closed to hold it in
place. A stock mouthguard is not considered acceptable as an
facial protective device. |
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Mouth-formed protectors
These mouthguards come as a shell-liner and "boil-and-bite"
product. The shell is lined with acrylic or rubber. When
placed in an athlete's mouth, the protector's lining
material molds to the teeth and is allowed to set.
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Custom-made mouth protectors
The best choice is a mouthguard custom-made by your dentist.
It offers the best protection, fit and comfort level because
it is made from a cast to fit your teeth. |
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Despite the fact that mouthguards prevent injuries, sports
participants are reluctant to wear mouth guards.
Some of the common reasons for this resistance includes the
perception that they are uncomfortable, impede breathing/talking or
cause dry mouth. All of these complaints can be resolved through
correct fitting. Positive role models, support from the coach, and a
younger age of acceptance all help to improve the acceptance of
mouth guards.
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