While staying active is important to your overall health, you need to protect your mouth and face if you participate in sports activities. Most people don’t realize that 40 percent of all sports injuries involve the face. For the safety of yourself or a loved one, talk with your orthodontist about a mouth guard.

What is a mouth guard?
These plastic oral appliances can cover teeth and can prevent trauma during sports activities.

Do I really need a mouth guard?
Absolutely. Anyone who participates in events like basketball, soccer, football, and even skateboarding should wear mouth guards because they offer protection against damage to teeth, lips, gums, and other oral tissues. They also reduce the risk of concussion by 50 percent.

Are there different kinds of mouth guards?
Several types of mouth guards exist. Preformed and ready to wear, stock mouth devices are inexpensive, but offer little protection. Sold at sporting goods stores, boil and bite mouth guards provide a better fit than stock appliances. Tailored and fabricated to fit the individual, custom mouth guards are the most comfortable and offer the best coverage.

How do I care for my mouth guard?
After each use, make sure to rinse your appliance with cool water. You may want to use a soft toothbrush on it as well. Periodically, examine the mouth guard to look for any signs of wear. If you notice any problems and you have a custom appliance, bring it to your orthodontist for a professional check.