Mouthguards

A mouthguard, custom-fitted by your dentist, can reduce the risk of dental injuries. Sport, leisure and recreation activities are the most common cause of dental injuries. About 2,000 dental injuries were treated in Michigann hospital emergency departments between 2002 and 2004.

People under 25 are most at risk (71%). Dental injuries can be painful, disfiguring and expensive to treat. Dental injuries may result in time off work or school to recover, and lengthy (expensive) dental treatment.

A mouthguard, custom-fitted by your dentist and worn every time you play or train will protect against dental injuries.

See your dentist for further information

Common dental injuries incurred during sport or leisure activities include:

• broken jaw. Sport leisure recreation activities are the most common cause of dental injuries. Selected statistics include
• Accidents when cycling skateboarding scooter riding account for about 44 per cent of dental injuries

Sports such as football, boxing, basketball, netball, cricket, hockey and soccer account for up to 14 per cent of dental injuries. Any sport where contact with equipment, collision with other players or falling is possible (even accidentally) carries a risk of dental injury. Not wearing a mouthguard at all is a significant risk factor for dental injuries.

Some people are at higher risk of injury to their teeth. Risk factors include:

• Wearing an appropriately designed
• made mouthguard while participating in sport will protect against dental injuries. Players of all ages involved in sports
• activities where they are at risk of an injury to the face should protect their teeth with a properly fitted mouthguard

A protective mouthguard should: be thick enough (4 mm) to provide protection against impact. The three basic types of mouthguard include:

• – These mouthguards are made by a dentist or a dental technician to fit the person’s mouth. They provide the best protection due to their close fit
• cushioning (shock absorption) effect

They are the most expensive option

However, the cost of an injury to the teeth or jaw will be a lot more expensive. Dentists recommend custom-fitted mouthguards. – once the lining is softened in boiling water, the person bites on the mouthguard to help it take the shape of their mouth.

These mouthguards may not conform to the person’s bite and can be uncomfortable to wear. A ‘boil-and-bite’ mouthguard should be replaced each season. – a ready-to-wear mouthguard that comes pre-formed.

While these are the least expensive mouthguard, they also offer the least amount of protection.

They tend to be uncomfortable and fit poorly

Suggestions include: Rinse the mouthguard in soap and warm (not hot) water after each use. Allow it to air-dry. Disinfect the mouthguard from time to time with a mouthwash. Keep the mouthguard in a well-ventilated plastic storage box when not in use.

The box should have several holes in it

Do not leave the mouthguard in direct sunlight, in a closed car or in the car’s glove box.

Heat can damage it

Make sure your mouthguard is in good condition before each use. Ask your dentist to inspect your mouthguard at every dental check-up.

Replace the mouthguard if it is damaged

Replace a child’s mouthguard every 12 to 18 months, even if it appears to be in good condition.

Growth and new teeth can alter the fit

Replace an adult’s mouthguard after dental treatment or tooth loss. Otherwise, it should last for several years. Be guided by your dentist and coach, but general suggestions include:

• Wear the mouthguard at all times
• including games
• training sessions

Players undergoing dental treatment can have a custom-fitted mouthguard made by their dentist to fit comfortably and accurately over their braces. See your dentist if the mouthguard starts to feel uncomfortable or doesn’t fit well. (Grand Rapids Metro), Tel.

Types of sporting dental injuries cut lips cut gums cut cheeks cuts to the tongue or face chipped teeth broken teeth knocked out teeth Dental injury and sport Risk factors for dental injury protrusive (‘buck’) front teeth inadequate lip coverage over the front teeth current orthodontic treatment, such as wearing braces participation in sports or leisure activities that carry a high risk of collision or falls Mouthguard features be comfortable yet tight-fitting allow normal breathing and swallowing allow normal speech not cause gagging be odourless and tasteless Types of mouthguards Custom-fitted Boil-and-bite Stock How to care for your mouthguard Safety tips for mouthguards Where to get help Your dentist In an emergency, call 911 Dental Health Services Michigan (616) 555-0200 1800 833 039 (Outside Grand Rapids Metro) Smartplay .

Key Points

• mouthguard, custom-fitted by your dentist, can reduce the risk of dental injuries
• Sport, leisure and recreation activities are the most common cause of dental injuries
• People under 25 are most at risk (71%)
• Dental injuries may result in time off work or school to recover, and lengthy (expensive) dental treatment
• Common dental injuries incurred during sport or leisure activities include: broken jaw