Aufdemberg Family Dentistry

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Protecting Your Mouth for Athletes

Protecting teeth with mouthguards

Knowing how to prevent injuries is important if you participate in organized sports or other recreational activities.  When it comes to protecting your mouth, a mouthguard is an essential piece of athletic gear that should be part of an athlete's standard equipment from an early age.  In fact, an athlete is 60 times more likely to suffer harm to teeth when not wearing a mouthguard.  Mouth guards help buffer an impact or blow that otherwise could cause broken teeth, jaw injuries or cuts to the lip, tongue or face.  Mouthguards also may reduce the rate and severity of concussions.

Mouthguards are used most commonly in contact sports, such as boxing, football, hockey, lacrosse and baseball, but findings show that even in noncontact sports like basketball, gymnastics and skateboarding mouthguards help prevent mouth and jaw injuries.

There are three types of mouth guards:  the ready-made, or stock mouth guard;  the mouth-formed "boil-and-bite" mouthguard;  and the custom mouthguard made by a dentist.

Choose a mouthguard that is: resilient and tear-resistant;  fits properly;  is easy to clean;  does not restrict breathing.

We can make a mouthguard for you or your child that is comfortable and offers superior protection.  Because treating a sports related injury can cost thousands of dollars, a custom mouthguard is a worhtwhile investment. 

Mouthguard care

Taking care of your mouthguard requires the following:  

  • rinse before and after each use or brush with a toothbrush and toothpaste
  • occasionally clean the mouthguard in cool, soapy water and rinse thoroughly
  • make sure not to leave the mouthguard in the sun or hot water
  • replace the mouthguard when needed

Get the most from a mouthguard

To get the best from your mouthguard, you should:

  • not wear removable aplliances, such as retainers, with the mouthguard
  • wear a custom fitted mouthguard if you wear braces or have a protruding jaw, receding chin or cleft palate
  • not chew on or cut pieces off your mouthguard
  • wear the mouthguard during practice sessions as well as games
  • schedule regular dental check-ups and visit us before playing each season
  • bring your mouthguard to each visit

We hope you find this information useful and lookfoward to seeing you soon.  If you would like more information, please call us.  The American Dental Association has more information as well.