It is easy to take some things for granted until they're suddenly gone. Imagine what it would be like if you lost one or two of your front teeth. Smiling, talking or eating they'd all be pretty unpleasant. A properly fitted mouth guard, or mouth protector, is an important piece of athletic gear that can help protect your smile. You may have seen mouth guards used in contact sports, particularly in football, boxing, ice hockey, lacrosse and field hockey. Mouth guards help cushion blows that might otherwise cause broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw. It’s believed that they also may reduce the severity and incidence of concussions. You don’t have to be on the football field or in a hockey rink to benefit from a properly fitted mouth guard. New findings in sports dentistry show that even in noncontact sports, such as gymnastics, mouth guards will help protect participants. Many experts recommend that everyone from children to adults wear a mouth guard during any recreational activity that might pose a risk of injury to the mouth.
Why should I wear a mouthguard?
A
mouthguard can prevent serious injuries such as broken teeth, jaw
fractures, cerebral hemorrhage and neck injuries by helping to avoid
situations where the lower jaw gets jammed into the upper jaw.
Mouthguards 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. They may
also reduce the severity and incidence of concussions.
In what sports should I wear a mouthguard?
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, softball, football, wrestling, soccer, lacrosse, rugby,
in-line skating and martial arts, as well as recreational sports such as
skateboarding and bicycling, should wear mouthguards while competing.
Why don't kids wear mouthguards?
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.
What are the different types of mouthguards?
Stock mouthguards
The
lowest cost option is a ready-made, 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 a facial protective device.
Mouth-formed
mouthguards
There are two types of mouth-formed mouthguards. The first
is a shell-liner mouthguard that is made with an acrylic material that
is poured into an outer shell, where it forms a lining. When placed in
an athlete's mouth, the protector's lining material molds to the teeth
and is allowed to set. Another type is a thermoplastic, or
"boil-and-bite," mouthguard. This mouthguard is softened in hot water
and then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth by using
finger, tongue and sometimes biting pressure.
Custom-made mouthguards
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.
Serving Waukesha, Oconomowoc, and Hartland Wisconsin, Bailey Family Dental is most concerned with your comfort. Hartland Dentists Drs Terese and Richard Bailey and their friendly staff will explain treatment options and give estimates before you begin your treatments. To learn more, feel free to go to our website at www.bailyfamilydental.com, or call us at 262-369-8633. Our office is located at 557 Cottonwood avenue, Hartland Wisconsin.
