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Mouthguards - Learn Everything You Need To Know

Every year, more than 200,000 people are treated by dentists and oral surgeons for sports-related injuries. Many of these injuries could be avoided if athletes and sports enthusiasts used protective equipment.

The mouth guard, a small, flexible plastic device, can dramatically protect athletes from injuries including concussions, jaw fractures, and neck and head trauma. Anyone participating in sports and especially contact sports such as football, hockey, soccer, and wrestling, should wear protective mouth guards for safety. It is especially important to wear a mouth guard if a person has braces. In addition, if a child's teeth protrude, it is very important that he or she wears one.

Different Types of Mouth Guards Available

Different types of mouth guards from off-the-shelf to custom-fitted types provide various advantages and degrees of protection . When considering options, evaluate the mouth guard's degree of comfort; the wearer's ability to speak and breathe; durability; and protection for the teeth and mouth.

• The stock or off-the-shelf mouth guard is the least expensive type and offers the least protection. Adjustment is limited and may interfere with speech and breathing. The jaw holds the mouth guard in place so the jaw must be closed at all times to work properly -- not convenient or practical in many situations.
• The "boil-and-bite" mouth guard found in athletic stores also is inexpensive. The mouth guard is dropped into hot water, then placed into the mouth; the synthetic material forms an impression around the teeth providing a better fit. Make certain that the mouth guard is not too big.
• Custom-made mouth guards are more expensive, but after all of the permanent teeth have erupted, they do offer the best protection against injury. They're also more comfortable to wear. These are made by the dentist and tailored to fit your mouth.

Mouth guard Care

• Wash with soap and warm water and soak the mouth guard in mouthwash before storage. Store in a well-ventilated plastic storage case when not using. Do not bend.
• Some mouth guards can be cleaned with an effervescent cleaner such as Efferdent -- refer to individual instructions first.
• Avoid exposing your mouth guard to heat, including leaving it in direct sunlight or in a hot car, which can permanently affect its shape and fit.
• Keep it to yourself! Don't handle other people's mouth guards or let others use yours.

Your dentist wants you to avoid any risk of facial, head, neck, and dental injuries that can often be prevented with a protective mouth guard. For all these reasons, the dental profession encourages the use of high-quality mouth guards. Mouth guards are changing the face of sports and protecting hundreds of thousands of people in the process.

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

FAQs on Dentures, Seniors Dentistry and Woman's Oral Health Needs

Q. How do you clean your dentures?

A. In cleaning your dentures you should first rinse away loose food particles thoroughly. Then moisten your toothbrush and apply denture cleanser. Brush every surface, scrubbing gently to avoid damage.

Q. Why do your teeth seem darker as you age?

A. Your teeth may seem darker because plaque can build up faster and in larger amounts as you age. Changes in dentin can cause your teeth to appear a little darker as well.

Q. Why does your mouth seem dry?

A. Dry mouth is a common problem among seniors. It is caused by certain medical disorders and is often a side effect of some medications.

Q. Are seniors more susceptible to gum disease?

A. Yes. The severity of gum disease may be increased due to ill-fitting dentures or bridges, poor diets, poor oral hygiene, other medical diseases, and even some medications.

Q. Why do seniors lose their sense of taste?

A. Seniors tend to lose their sense of taste because age decreases the sense of taste and smell. Certain diseases, medications and dentures can also contribute to the decrease of your sense of taste.

Q. Should seniors be worried about cavities?

A. Yes. The majorities of seniors have tooth-root decay and are more susceptible to cavities.

Q. Why should women be more careful with their oral health?

A. For many women, dental care depends on their different stages of life that are directly related to surges in sex hormone levels. Your dentist may request to see you more frequently during hormonal surges.

Q. How do oral contraceptives affect women’s oral health?

Gingivitis may occur with long-term use of oral contraceptives because they contain estrogen or progesterone. Women who use oral contraceptives are two times as likely to develop dry sockets and require dental care more often.

Q. How does pregnancy affect oral health?

A. There is an increase in the amount of plaque on your teeth due to pregnancy because there is an increase in estrogen and progesterone.

Q. How does morning sickness affect oral health?

A. The acid in vomit causes tooth erosion. Women can neutralize the acid by using a baking soda and water paste and rubbing it on their teeth. Rinse the paste off after 30 seconds and then brush and floss.

Q. What is the likeliness of having tumors during pregnancy?

A. Women are at risk for developing pregnancy tumors that are benign growths that develop when swollen gums become irritated. The tumors usually shrink soon after the pregnancy is over.

Q. How does plaque build-up affect pregnant women?

A. If plaque is not removed it can cause gingivitis and women with periodontal disease may be at risk for pre-term, low-birth weight babies.

Q. What problems occur for girls experiencing puberty?

A. The surge in hormones that occurs during puberty may cause swollen gums, especially during menstruation. Herpes-type lesions and ulcers can also develop. They may also experience sensitive gums that react more to irritants.

Q. What are intraoral cameras?

A. An intraoral camera is a miniature video camera that the dentist places in the patient’s mouth so that together they can view any dental problems that the patient is having. The image from the camera is enlarged and sent to a monitor for viewing.

Q. What is the purpose of intraoral cameras?

A. The purpose behind intraoral cameras is to allow the patient to see the specific area that needs treatment so that they are more likely to understand the dentist’s recommendation and accept it.

Q. How can CD-ROM be beneficial in dentistry?

A. CD-ROM is beneficial in dentistry because patient education will be much simpler with information stored on CD-ROM. Procedures can be explained to patients in advance and post-operative instructions can be provided for them to take home.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.