Sports mouthguards prevent dental injuries Published Feb. 26, 2007 By Lt. Col. Anthony Presicci Pope Dental Clinic POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Each year, millions of athletes participate in sporting events all over the world; however, a large number of these athletes do not wear the protective gear necessary to prevent sports injuries. The mouth is one of the most frequently injured parts of the body during sporting events. Dental injuries can be painful, costly and permanent. For prevention of dental injuries, the sports mouth guard must be considered a necessary item of sporting equipment. A mouthguard is a flexible appliance made out of plastic and worn during athletic and recreational activities to protect teeth from trauma, but it does more than just protect teeth. A mouthguard cushions the impact of lips and cheeks against the teeth, preventing cuts and bruising. A mouthguard can also help prevent more serious injuries such as concussions, jaw fractures and neck injuries by cushioning the impact in injuries where the lower jaw gets jammed against the upper jaw. According to the estimates from the American Dental Association, one in ten athletes will sustain an injury to the face or mouth this year. More children participating in sports are now wearing protective mouthguards, but the overall percentage of both children and adults wearing mouthguards is still low. Also, male athletes have been the primary focus in sports-injury prevention, but the same emphasis should be placed on female athletes as well. Anytime there is a chance of contact with other participants or hard surfaces, it is recommended that a mouthguard be used. Participation in contact sports is definitely a reason to wear a mouthguard, but recreational sports such as skateboarding and bicycling also run the risk of dental injuries. There are two main types of mouthguards: - Store-bought mouthguards: These are available at most sports stores and are relatively inexpensive. Most can be molded to fit the teeth by boiling in water and then biting into the softened plastic. They can be effective but are bulkier and are more likely to interfere with breathing and speaking. - Custom-made mouthguards: These are made at the dental office from a mold of the individual's teeth. Since they are custom designed to fit each person's mouth, they are generally more comfortable to wear and less likely to interfere with breathing and speech. Caring for a mouthguard is simple. Clean the inside and outside of the mouthguard with toothbrush and toothpaste, or soap and water. Store in a well-ventilated plastic box when not in use. Make sure the box has several holes in it so the mouthguard will dry. Like any type of sports gear, mouthguards can tear and wear out; therefore, replace as needed. Because their mouths are still growing, children will generally need a new mouthguard each year. Active duty personnel desiring custom mouthguards should contact Pope Dental Clinic at 394-2745. Effective Feb. 1, mouthguards are now covered by the TRICARE Dental Program. Family members of active duty personnel should contact their local dentist if they desire custom mouthguards.