The Oral Health Connection: Sport Mouth Guards: Why a custom fit is important!

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By  Penny  Judson-Benny ~ Registered Dental Hygienist 
Mouth guards are flexible plastic devices that protect a person's teeth and mouth from injury during athletics and other activities. Mouth guards cover the teeth and are typically worn to protect teeth during activities that leave the teeth vulnerable to injury. In addition to protecting the mouth, they can act as a shock absorber to prevent the lower jaw from being jammed into the upper jaw during blows to the head, face or neck. This can prevent conditions such as concussions, cerebral hemorrhages, unconsciousness, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation and neck injuries. Mouth guards should be used by anyone (children AND adults) who plays contact sports such as football, boxing, soccer, hockey, basketball, lacrosse and any rodeo activities. However, even those participating in non contact sports (ie gymnastics, horsemanship, skateboarding and mountain biking) that might pose a risk of injury to the mouth, would benefit from wearing a protective mouth guard.
There are three types of mouth guards:
1/ Stock mouth protectors are preformed and come ready to wear. They are inexpensive and can be bought at most sporting goods stores. However, little can be done to adjust their fit, they are bulky and make breathing and talking difficult and they provide little or no protection. These type of guards are NOT recommended by the dental community.
2/ Boil and bite mouth protectors also can be bought at many sporting goods stores and may offer a better fit than the stock mouth protectors. The 'boil and bite' mouth guard is made from thermoplastic material. It is placed in hot water to soften, then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth using fingers and mouth pressure.
3/ Custom-fitted mouth protectors are individually designed and made in a dental/dental hygiene office or a professional laboratory. An impression of the teeth is taken and a mouth guard is then molded over the model using a special material.  Due to the use of special material and because of the extra time and work involved, this custom-made mouth guard is more expensive than the other types, but it provides the most comfort, best fit and protection.
Mouth guards usually need minimal care. They should be washed with soap and lukewarm water and soaked in mouthwash before being stored in a well-ventilated plastic container. Mouth guards should not be left in areas of high temperature (ie hot surfaces, hot water or direct sunlight) to minimize distortion in shape.
Why a custom fit is the best fit!
Protection - a mouth guard should fit the individual's dentition. It is best to have double-laminated material for superior strength and shock dispersion which greatly dissipates the possibility of tooth damage and concussions.
Speech – a custom fit mouth guard is designed and fitted to an athlete's mouth like a glove fits a hand. This means that communication on the field, rink or court is clear to everyone. This can make a winning difference. Store bought mouth guards are thick and clumsy in the mouth. Traditional mouth guards prohibit clear speech.
Comfort – A mouth guard should feel natural in the mouth. A comfortable and secure fit will ensure that an athlete will keep it in place while in play. Compliance is important! Store bought mouth guards are either too tight or too loose. They are so uncomfortable that there is a good chance an athlete won't wear it or can accidentally choke on it.
Oxygen – Proper breathing and oxygen intake during a sport activity are crucial. It improves performance and reduces the chance of muscle fatigue. Custom fit mouth guards were designed by dental and sports professionals- the ones who recognize the importance of having a good flow of oxygen. Generic, clunky mouth guards can restrict oxygen uptake by up to 25%!
Over time mouth guards may wear out, which reduces their ability to protect the mouth and teeth. For these reasons, mouth guards should be replaced as soon as they develop holes or tears, or once they become loose.

'Keep your smile for a lifetime'!

Penny Judson-Benny, RDH, is the owner and operator of Mountain View Dental Hygiene Clinic in Black Diamond and can be contacted at 403-933-7722.