Mouth Protectors: Don't Play Without One!

Mouth protectors, more commonly known as “mouthguards”, are an important piece of protective face gear that can protect your face, teeth, and the soft tissues inside your mouth. According to the American Dental Association, mouth protections are essential sporting equipment whether you're heading out for leisurely fun, exercise or organized sports. More than two million teeth are knocked out every year, many of them from sports-related injuries and they may have been avoided if the person was wearing a mouth protector or mouth guard.

Mouth protectors cushion blows that would otherwise cause broken teeth, and injuries to the lips, tongue, and face. Sometimes, even jaw fractures and head injuries are avoided with the use of a mouth protector. The use of a mouth protector can also lower the incidence of concussions from a blow to the jaw. It has been estimated that more than 200,000 oral injuries are prevented in this country alone by the wearing of mouth protectors. Most of us have seen football players, hockey players, and boxers wear mouth protectors.

I don’t play contact sports. . .so I don’t think I need to wear one.
Actually, it has been recommended that anyone involved in any activity that could harm the mouth, teeth, or other oral tissues should wear a mouth protector as a precaution for injury. This includes many non-contact sports, such as, acrobats, bicycling, gymnastics, handball, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, roller-blading, shot putting, skateboarding, skiing, skydiving, soccer, squash, surfing, volleyball, water polo, and weight lifting. Of course it also includes all contact sports, such as football, boxing, ice or field hockey, or wrestling.

Are there other times where a mouth protector may be beneficial besides sports activities?
 Yes. People with known bleeding tendencies may need to have a mouth protector made for wear after multiple extractions of teeth to help prevent hemorrhage. They also made to hold a special fluoride gel or paste and then worn at night to protect the teeth from acid attacks and promote remineralization. This may be indicated for persons with bulimia, gastro-oesophageal reflux, or anyone suffering from xerostomia (dry mouth caused by mouth-breathing due to allergies, from certain medications, or in elderly patients who have a decreased salivary flow) because when the mouth is dry, it is more prone to increased decay. If mouth protectors can be tolerated by the patient, they are sometimes recommended for some people with special needs, such as those with autism, for protection against self-injurious behavior. Mouth protectors are also made to wear at night to protect against bruxism (grinding the teeth).

Are there different types of mouth protectors?
 Yes, there are three different types of mouth protectors. The first type is called a “stock” mouthguard which can be purchased in sporting goods stores and are the least expensive. However, they are also bulky and lack retention, they tend to interfere with speech and breathing, and they are the least protective. The second is a “mouth-formed” (boil and bite) protector and are also available in sporting goods stores and pharmacies. They are made from thermoplastic materials and are made to fit by boiling them in water, then biting down on the plastic form. Then, using your finger, tongue, and pressure, you form them to fit your mouth and teeth. These are still inexpensive, but they are also bulky and lack retention. The third and best is a “custom-made” mouthguard fabricated by a dentist. They are the most expensive, but they have good retention and stability. Additionally, they interfere the least with breathing and talking, and are the most comfortable to wear.

What makes a “good” mouthguard or mouth protector, besides being comfortable to wear?
A mouth protector should be able to provide good protection for the mouth, teeth, and gums. It should fit properly, so that it does not interfere with breathing or speaking. It should also be odorless, tasteless, have excellent retention, not be bulky yet have sufficient thickness in critical areas, and be affordable. If it is worn for sports, it should be colored so that it is recognized by sports officials. And, it should be easy to clean.

How should I take care of my mouthguard or mouth protector?
 Rinse your mouthguard with cold water after wearing. Let it air dry before storing it away. It should be kept in an identifiable container or case, preferably with air holes. Rinse the mouth protector with mouthwash or oral antiseptic just before wearing.

Can I wear a mouth protector if I wear braces?
 Yes, you can and you should, especially if you are playing sports or engaging in an activity that has the potential to harm your face or smile. A blow to the face could damage the brackets and could cause some severe trauma to the lips, tongue, and cheeks. However, it is highly recommended that you have a properly fitted mouth protector made by your dentist. Incidentally, mouthgaurds are also especially important for people who have fixed bridges in their mouths. And, don't forget to wear them during practice as well as for the game!

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