subject: The Importance Of Wearing A Mouthguard In Athletic Competition [print this page] In sporting events, an inadvertent elbow or ball can strike you in the face at any moment. If you do not have the proper protection, an event like this can cause you to do damage to your teeth, gums, lips or cheeks. Wearing a mouthguard is essential if you participate in a sport that carries a significant risk of a mouth injury.
Sports like basketball, baseball, football and hockey all pose risks to your gum tissues and teeth. We typically think that football and hockey are the most dangerous sports for teeth, but almost half of sports-related mouth injuries occur in baseball and basketball.
What Are Mouthguards And How Do They Help?
A mouthguard is a flexible appliance that is worn in athletic and recreational activities to protect teeth from trauma. The use of a mouthguard is effective in moving soft tissue in your mouth away from your teeth, preventing cutting and bruising of the lips and cheeks, especially if you wear braces. Anytime there is a strong chance for contact with other participants or hard surfaces, it is advisable to wear a mouthguard.
There are three main types of mouthguards: stock, custom-fitted and boil and bite. Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and ready to wear. They are generally inexpensive but don't usually fit very well. Boil and bite mouthguards can be bought at many sporting goods stores and can offer a better fit than stock mouthguards. They are softened in water and then inserted into the mouth, where you will bite down and it will adjust to the shape of your teeth. If you do not carefully follow these directions, you can end up with a poor fitting mouthguard. A custom-fitted mouthguard is created by your dentist or orthodontist and can offer a better fit than anything you can buy off the shelf.
Keeping Your Mouthguard Clean For Better Protection
According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) about 200,000 cases annually have reported that mouthguards have averted oral injuries and cut the risk of concussion by 50 percent. On the other hand, you need to be aware of the importance of proper maintenance, care and cleanliness to prevent disease transmission and infection.
Everything a microorganism needs to survive, including food and water, can be found in a mouthguard. Even though a mouthguard appears solid, they are actually porous and microorganisms can get into the mouthguard through these pores. To take care of your mouthguard, here are a few tips:
*Brush your teeth before wearing a mouthguard
*During sporting events, have a backup mouthguard
*Purchase disposable mouthguards
*Never share a mouthguard with teammates
*Clean your mouthguard before storing it
If you are participating in sports, you should talk to your Littleton orthodontist to learn more about mouthguards or to schedule an appointment.
