Mouth guards: Playing safe Published Dec. 7, 2011 By Capt. Robert E. Wake 5th Medical Operations Squadron MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The use of mouth guards is an important precaution athletes of all ages and abilities use to help protect against tooth loss, chipped or broken teeth, and even root and bone damage. Mouth guards also safeguard against serious injuries, such as jaw fractures, cerebral hemorrhages, concussion and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw jams into the upper jaw. By keeping soft tissue in the oral cavity away from the teeth, mouth guards help prevent cutting and bruising of the lips, tongue and cheeks, especially for athletes who wear orthodontic appliances. The Facts: · The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 300,000 individuals suffer sports-related concussions a year, with children and teens at the highest risk. · An additional 600,000 children end up in the emergency room each year due to sports-related dental accidents. · According to the CDC, mouth guards may prevent 200,000 oral injuries a year, reduce the risk of concussion by 50 percent and prevent injury to the teeth by 60 percent. What Kinds of Mouth guards are Available? 1. Boil and bite Boil and bite mouth protectors also can be bought at many sporting goods stores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. They should be softened in water, then inserted and allowed to adapt to the shape of your mouth. If instructions are not followed carefully one can end up with a poor-fitting mouth protector. 2. Custom-fitted Custom-fitted mouth protectors are made by one's dentist to specifically meet personal needs. Custom-fitted mouth protectors are generally more expensive than other versions, but because they are customized, they can offer a better fit than anything bought off a shelf. However, not all people are candidates for custom mouth guards including those with braces and younger individuals whose mouths are still growing or developing. Also, those with misaligned dentition require boil and bite mouth guards. Who Should Wear a Mouth Guard? Currently, the U.S. National Collegiate Athletic Association requires the use of mouth guards only for ice hockey, lacrosse, field hockey and football. However, the American Dental Association recommends the use of a mouth guard for 29 sports and exercise activities. These include the four activities already mentioned, plus acrobatics, basketball, boxing, discus throwing, gymnastics, handball, martial arts, racquetball, rugby, shot putting, skateboarding, skiing, skydiving, soccer, squash, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting and wrestling. Essentially, whenever there's a chance of contact with other players or hard surfaces, wearing a mouth guard makes sense. A properly fitted mouth protector 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 protector also provides a barrier between the braces and the cheeks or lips, limiting the risk of soft tissue injuries. Where Can You Get a Mouth Guard? Mouth guards are available at the McAdoo Sports and Fitness Center, Youth Center and Dental Clinic. For those who require a custom mouth guard, please contact the 5th Medical Group Dental Clinic at 723-5565 to schedule an appointment. With all it can do to protect the teeth and the head, mouth guards are one of the most effective pieces of protective equipment in sports.