Save your smile with a mouth guard Published Jan. 4, 2012 By Master Sgt. Eric Anderson 99th Dental Squadron NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Proper equipment is a necessity when participating in sports. Too often, a mouth guard is one piece of equipment that is overlooked. This small item may not seem as important as other protective gear, but the fact is that a properly fitted mouth guard will cushion blows that can cause injuries to the lips, tongue, teeth, face or jaw, as well as reduce concussion incidence and severity. Who needs a mouth guard? A common thought is that only contact sports, like hockey or football, necessitate a mouth guard. However, participants in non-contact sports, such as skateboarding, weightlifting and baseball, are at risk and likely would benefit from a mouth guard's added protection. What kinds of mouth guards are available? Ready-made (stock) mouth guards are available for purchase at many department or athletic stores. This is the cheapest option to obtain a mouth guard, but stock mouth guards offer the least protection due to limited adjustment capabilities. "Boil-and-bite" mouth guards, which are immersed in boiling water, transferred to cold water and then molded to a person's teeth, fit better and offer more protection than stock mouth guards, but are more expensive. The final option is for a dentist to create a "custom" mouth guard, which involves making a quick impression and mold, or cast, of a person's upper teeth. This version of a mouth guard provides superior fit, comfort and protection. Regardless of the type of mouth guard a person decides on, a good mouth guard will have the following characteristics: -Fits properly and comfortably, without pinching or rubbing the gum tissue -Does not restrict breathing, speech or swallowing -Is tear-resistant and resilient -Can be cleaned easily What is the proper way to care for a mouth guard? A person can clean a mouth guard with a toothbrush and toothpaste or with cold, soapy water and a thorough rinse. When a mouth guard is not in use, it should be stored in a perforated container, which allows for air circulation and helps prevent damage. Avoid exposing a mouth guard to sources of high temperatures, such as hot water or direct sunlight, which can cause distortion. Always check a mouth guard for holes, tears and looseness. Replace an ill-fitting or damaged mouth guard to ensure maximum protection. Anyone interested in protecting their smile with a custom mouth guard should contact the 99th Dental Squadron at 702-653-2600.
