Are Mouth Guards Important?
Written by Leanne Pepper, RDH
Foul ball headed your way? A bad kick sending a soccer ball right to your head? One of the most exciting things about playing sports is that anything can happen; unfortunately, that includes injuries. Broken teeth, an injured mouth or a broken jaw will keep you on the sidelines. To reduce your chance of injury and to stay in the game, wear a mouth guard.
Mouth guards are a small plastic piece of equipment with the important job of protecting your mouth, teeth and jaw. Dental Professionals recommend that anyone playing sports or participating in an aggressive activity, needs to wear a mouth guard. Your mouth guard will absorb some of the impact from a hit or fall and can help to protect you from chipped or broken teeth (and from biting and seriously damaging your tongue and cheek). Tooth injuries not only look bad, if left untreated they could cause pain and infection. A broken tooth can be expensive to fix and may even be considered cosmetic and not be covered by some insurance companies.
Did you know that your mouth guard can also prevent a broken jaw? Wearing a mouth guard helps to keep your mouth in alignment and stops the lower jaw and teeth from being pushed into your upper jaw and teeth. A broken jaw is a painful medical emergency and will definitely cut into your playing time.
One of the most common complaints about mouth guards is that they “feel funny” or do not fit properly. Custom fit mouth guards made especially for your mouth can improve the fit of your mouth guard. Your dentist can help you choose the right type of mouth guard, and make sure it properly fits your mouth. “Boil and Bite” or “Stock” mouth guards bought at local sporting goods stores offer protection but are made in general sizes, which may decrease the comfort level. A mouth guard needs proper care to keep it working effectively. Do not chew on, cut or alter your guard, this can make it less effective. Keep your guard clean by rinsing it with cold water and air-drying after each use, and storing it in a plastic perforated container between uses. You can also wash it occasionally with mild soap and water or mouthwash. Never store your mouth guard wet.
Finally, check your mouth guard regularly to make sure it is in good shape; a torn or cracked mouth guard needs to be replaced.
The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit has a lot of great information about keeping your mouth healthy and strong. Call us for more information at 519-355-1071, ext. 5700.
Remember, your smile is a Work of Art, protect it with a mouth guard.