Make a Mouthguard Part of Your Uniform
Helmet? Check. Knee Pads? Check. Mouthguard? Check!
Mouthguards usually cover your upper teeth and protect your teeth, lips, tongue, face and jaw against injuries. Wearing a mouthguard regularly becomes second nature and should be a part of your uniform in any sport you play.
Don’t chance it! While collision and contact sports are higher-risk sports for the mouth, you can still experience a dental injury in non-contact activities too, such as gymnastics or skating.
Studies show that athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer harm to the teeth if they’re not wearing a mouthguard. It’s the smart thing to do for your teeth and your smile.
What type of mouthguard should you choose? They key is to make sure it fits properly. The best mouthguard is one that has been custom made for your mouth by your dentist. However, if you can’t afford a custom-made mouthguard, you should still wear a stock mouthguard or a boil-and-bite mouthguard from the drugstore.
Custom-Made: These are made by your dentist for you personally. They are more expensive than the other versions because they are individually created for fit and comfort.
Boil-and-Bite: These mouth protectors can be bought at many sporting goods stores and drugstores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. They are first softened in water (boiled0, then inserted and allowed to adapt to the shape of your mouth. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Stock: These are inexpensive and come pre-formed, ready to wear. Unfortunately, they often don’t fit very well. They can be bulky and can make breathing and talking difficult.
Once you select the right mouthguard, make sure to follow these simple steps to ensure proper care and make sure your mouthguard is always ready to go when you need it:
- Keep your mouthguard clean and dry between games.
- Rinse before and after each use or brush with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Regularly clean the mouthguard in cool, soapy water. Then, rinse it thoroughly.
- Store and transport the mouthguard in a sturdy container that has vents so it can dry and keep bacteria from growing.
- Never leave the mouthguard in the sun or in hot water.
- Check the fit and for signs of wear and tear to see if it needs replacing. Teens and children may need to replace their mouthguards more often because their mouths are still growing and changing.
- Bring your mouthguard with you to regular dental visits for evaluation.
- Store your mouthguard and case somewhere your pet cannot get to it.
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/m/mouthguards?source=facebook
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