Mouthguards Protection

Mouthguards Role of Protection

Sports Mouthguards for Athletes with Braces

Shock absorbing bite tabs redirect impact forces to the mandible(jaw),away from the brain, helping to reduce the risk of concussion. Theentire sports mouthguard is ergonomically contoured (properly fitted) with smoothradiuses to ensure maximum comfort for the athlete. A free flow airchannel allows easy breathing and speech.

Each year, more than 3.5 million children, age 14 and under are injuredwhile playing sports or participating in recreational activities.

As part of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the AmericanAcademy of Pediatrics (AAP) annual back-to-school health promotion,when some 6 million high school students plan their participation inteam sports, both health organizations remind parents that the use ofmouthguards can help protect children from mouth injuries.

Mouth protectors, which typically cover the upper teeth, can cushion ablow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries tothe soft tissues of the mouth. If a child wears braces or anotherfixed dental appliance on their lower jaw, the dentist may suggest amouth protector for those teeth as well.

Facial Injuries and Protective Equipment

Kids suffer thousands of injuries each year on the soccer field, thebasketball court or while skateboarding, biking or during otheractivities. "Injuries to the face from participating in a sport or otherrecreational activity can harm your child's teeth, lips, cheeks andtongue, but a properly fitted mouthguard can help protect your child'ssmile," says Edmond Hewlett, D.D.S., an ADA consumer advisor andassociate professor at UCLA's School of Dentistry.

"In addition to mouthguards, be sure your child wears all theappropriate protective equipment made for their sport, such as shinpads, wrist guards, eye protection, and helmet." adds AAP PresidentCarol Berkowitz, M.D., FAAP.

ADA and AAP also encourage parents to make dental exams a regular partof their children's back-to-school routine, including completion of all health examinations and necessary immunizations in time for the new school year.

Dentist Fit vs. Boil 'N Bite MouthGaurd

Dr. David Kenny of Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children believes a properly fitted mouthguard by a Dentist should protect much better than so-called boil and bite mouthguards that are currently on the market. "Semi-circular" pieces of rubber uses heat in boiling water, then you bite down to create an impression around the teeth.

Alan Morris, a biomedical engineer at Bloorview MacMillan agrees "Those mouthguards are like bumpers on a car," Morris says. "The bumper takes the hit, but thecar's frame—or in a person's case, bone—absorbs the real force ofimpact."

Dr. Kenny agrees that custom-made mouthguards shaped by a dentistwill fit better.

It has been my experience that mouthgaurds reduce the impact to the brain and minimizes symptoms of a concussion. My concern is that this type of equipment. must be professionally fitted to allow for proper airway breathing during high intensity activity.

I also have a concern with younger players and there ability to manage a mouthgaurd on top of everything else they are doing at a game or practice. I do get younger players with lip bleeds who wear braces with out any form of protective guard. This happens less than ten times a year.

footer for Mouthguards page