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The following information will be valuable when deciding whether to wear a mouthguard
or not.
Mouthguards.
If you play contact sports such as basketball, hockey, football, judo, karate, martial
arts, skateboarding, racquetball, soccer, squash, wrestling, volleyball and other
similar sports, you may wish to talk with us about a mouthguard to protect your teeth.
Mouthguards can protect more than just your teeth. In the event of a serious
accident, a mouthguard helps distribute the force evenly throughout the skull, lessening
the chance of concussions or other serious injuries. They also protect your tongue
and cheeks from being cut by your teeth during impact.
A custom fitted mouthguard will offer you the best protection. In fact a poorly
fitted one can add to the trauma or cause injury by not properly spreading the forces
evenly or rubbing on the gum tissue.
Custom-fitted mouthguards are the most effective in preventing and reducing
injuries. These can only be made by a dentist. They're not very expensive, and they're
certainly worth the investment in safety! If you are a coach of a junior sports team,
talk to a local dentist about organizing a mouthguard clinic - many communities find
that this is a particularly successful way to get everyone involved and informed.
Care of your mouthguard.
Your mouthguard can only work properly if it's in good shape. Remember to
keep your mouthguard clean by washing it in water before and after wearing it. Store
it in a special case or a ziplock bag when not in use. Remember - your mouthguard
should be replaced at least once a season, and you should always replace it if it
becomes damaged or if there is any change in your mouth or teeth.
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