Protecting Teeth with Mouthguards

FOR THE DENTAL PATIENT ...

Protecting teeth with mouthguards

nowing how to prevent injuries is important if you participate in orga- nized sports or other recreational activi- ties. When it comes to protecting your mouth, a mouthguard is an essential Kpiece 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 the teeth when not wearing a mouthguard. Mouthguards help buffer an impact or blow that Figure. A custom mouthguard made by a dentist. otherwise could cause broken teeth, jaw injuries or cuts to the lip, tongue or face. Mouthguards also soapy water and rinse thoroughly; may reduce the rate and severity of concussions. dtransport the mouthguard in a sturdy con- Mouthguards are used most commonly in contact tainer that has vents; sports, such as boxing, football, hockey and lacrosse, dmake sure not to leave the mouthguard in the but findings show that even in noncontact sports sun or in hot water; like basketball, gymnastics or skateboarding, dcheck for wear and replace the mouthguard mouthguards help prevent mouth and jaw injuries. when necessary. There are three types of mouthguards: the ready- made, or stock, mouthguard; the mouth-formed GET THE MOST FROM A MOUTHGUARD “boil-and-bite” mouthguard; and the custom mouth- To get the best service from a mouthguard, you guard made by a dentist. should Choose a mouthguard that dnot wear removable appliances, such as dis resilient and tear-resistant; retainers, with a mouthguard; dfits properly and is comfortable; dwear a custom-fitted mouthguard if you wear dis easy to clean; braces or have a protruding jaw, receding chin or ddoes not restrict speech or breathing. cleft palate; Your dentist can make a custom mouthguard for dnot chew on or cut pieces off your mouthguard; you or your child that is comfortable and offers dwear the mouthguard during practice sessions superior protection. Because treating a sports- as well as during games; related dental injury can cost thousands of dol- dschedule regular dental checkups and visit lars, a custom mouthguard is a worthwhile your dentist before each playing season; investment. While custom mouthguards are con- dbring your mouthguard to each dental visit. sidered by many to be the most protective option, For more information, visit “www.ada.org/ patients for whom a custom mouthguard is not public/topics/mouthguards.asp”. ■ feasible (for example, because of cost) should Prepared by the ADA Division of Communications, in cooperation discuss other types of mouthguards with their with The Journal of the American Dental Association and the ADA dentist. Council on Scientific Affairs. Unlike other portions of JADA, this page may be clipped and copied as a handout for patients, without first obtaining reprint permission from the ADA Publishing Division. Any TAKE CARE OF THE MOUTHGUARD other use, copying or distribution, whether in printed or electronic form, is strictly prohibited without prior written consent of the ADA Patients need to take care of their mouthguards Publishing Division. by doing the following: “For the Dental Patient” provides general information on dental drinse before and after each use or brush with a treatments to dental patients. It is designed to prompt discussion toothbrush and toothpaste; between dentist and patient about treatment options and does not sub- stitute for the dentist’s professional assessment based on the individual doccasionally clean the mouthguard in cool, patient’s needs and desires.