Blog

Mouth Guards and Sports Safety

No Comments

In this article:

  • Why is it important for adults and children to wear a mouth guard during sports
  • How to select a Mouth Guard in South Jersey
  • How to handle a sports-related dental emergency
  • Why mouth guards are especially important for athletes with braces

 

 

Prevent Injuries

Make a Mouth Guard part of your uniform

When it comes to protecting your smile during active sports, a properly fitted mouth guard is a key piece of athletics gear for children and adults. Mouth guards typically cover the upper teeth, which are more exposed than the lower teeth. Mouth guards cushion impacts that may otherwise cause broken teeth, jaw injuries, or cuts to your lips, tongue or face.

Mouth guards are commonly used (and may be required) in some contact sports, such as boxing, football, hockey and lacrosse. However, mouth guards help prevent mouth and jaw injuries even in other contact and non-contact sports like soccer, baseball, softball, gymnastics or skateboarding.

 

 

Find a mouth guard that fits

 

How to Pick a Mouth Guard in South Jersey that:

  • fits properly and is comfortable
  • Ideally has been custom made by a dentist
  • has enough flex that it won’t tear or break, and is thick enough to hold up to a heavy hit
  • is easy to clean
  • doesn’t limit speech or breathing
  • stays in place

 

Your dentist can make you or your child a custom mouth guard that is comfortable and protects the jaw. Ready-made mouth guards may be cheaper, but they do not fit as well and can make it harder to speak or breathe. The more comfortable the mouth guard, the more likely it will be worn regularly. If a mouth guard doesn’t fit properly, it is not protective.

Treating a sports-related dental injury can cost thousands of dollars, so buying a mouth guard can be money well spent. Talk about mouth guards with your dentist and select the type that works for your need and budget.

 

 

Mouth guards and Orthodontics

 

A properly fitted mouth guard may be especially important for people who wear braces or have fixed bridge work. A blow to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. A mouth guard also provides a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, which will help you avoid injuries to your gums and cheeks.

Talk to your dentist or orthodontist about selecting a mouth guard that will provide the right protection.

 

 

Protect Your Smile

The American Dental Association (ADA) and the Academy for Sports Dentistry recommend that you wear a properly fitted mouth guard if you participate in any of the following activities:

  • Acrobatics
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Bicycling
  • Boxing
  • Equestrian Events
  • Extreme Sports
  • Field Hockey
  • Football
  • Gymnastics
  • Handball
  • Ice Hockey
  • Inline Skating
  • Lacrosse
  • Martial Arts
  • Racquetball
  • Rugby
  • Skateboarding
  • Skiing
  • Skydiving
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Squash
  • Surfing
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field Events
  • Ultimate Frisbee
  • Volleyball
  • Water Polo
  • Weightlifting
  • Wrestling

 

The Do’s and Don’ts of Using and Taking Care of Your Mouth Guard in South Jersey

DO:

  • Clean your mouth guard after each use with a toothbrush and toothpaste or a denture cleaner that bubbles when mixed with water. Rinse it with cool or lukewarm water after cleaning.
  • Store it in a container that is firm but still lets air in.
  • Check for wear, and replace it when it no longer fits properly.
  • Wear your mouth guard during both practice and games.
  • See your dentist for regular check-ups. Make sure you go before each sports season starts. Be sure to bring your mouth guard!

DON’T:

  • Don’t put mouth guard in the sun or in hot water; it could melt or lose it’s custom shape.
  • Don’t wear removable appliances like retainers with our mouth guard.
  • Don’t chew on your mouth guard or cut pieces off because it will change the fit and reduce its protective qualities. See your dentist if you need to adjust the fit.

 

 

Emergencies That Result from a Sport Injury

 

Knowing how to handle a dental emergency can mean the difference between saving and losing your tooth. Here are some helpful tips:

Knocked-out Permanent Tooth

  • Keep the tooth moist. Do not let it dry.
  • Hold it by the crown (the part that shows when you smile), not the root (the part that is under your gums).
  • Rinse the root with lukewarm water if it is dirty. Do not scrub the tooth, rub the root or remove any attached tissue pieces!
  • If you can, gently put the tooth in its socket and hold it in place
  • If you can’t put it back in the socket, put the tooth in a container with milk
  • Take your tooth to your dentist as soon as possible – ideally within 15~20 minutes for the best chance of keeping your tooth.

Cracked or Broken Tooth

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area
  • Put an ice pack or washcloth with ice wrapped inside on your face to keep down any swelling
  • Go to your dentist right away
  • If you can find the piece of broken tooth, bring it with you to the dentist
  • Wrap the tooth piece in some wet gauze or a wet towel, if possible

Possible Broken Jaw

  • Put an ice pack or ice wrapped inside a washcloth on your jaw to control the swelling
  • Go to your dentist or a hospital emergency room as soon as possible

Bitten Tongue or Lip

  • Gently clean the area with a cloth and put an ice pack on it to keep the swelling down
  • If bleeding is heavy or doesn’t stop in a short amount of time, go to your dentist or an urgent care center or a hospital emergency room.

 

Do you need Mouth Guard in South Jersey?

 

Are you interested in Mouth Guard in South Jersey? Rapha Dental provides Mouth Guard in office, call us today at 856-829-8668!

You can make an appointment yourself on line as well.

 

 

Copyright @ American Dental Association