TORONTO, Ontario – Upon heading back to school this fall, young athletes of all ages and skill levels will be joining their friends on basketball courts, soccer fields, baseball diamonds and hockey rinks. Remember to add a mouthguard for each child to your list of school supplies. Protecting your child's head, jaw and teeth, even for seemingly non-contact sports, is very important.

"Mouthguards not only protect the teeth," states Dr. Ian McConnachie, President of the Ontario Dental Association and a pediatric dentist. "They may also prevent concussions and other serious injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw and teeth are forced up against the upper teeth and jaw."

Sports Canada reports that overall, 69 percent of Canadian youth participate in organized sport. In any sport, whether it's full-contact hockey or a friendly game of racquetball, a little preparation can prevent costly and sometimes painful mistakes later on!

Who should wear a mouthguard?

All athletes. All ages. Any sport with a strong chance for contact with other participants or hard surfaces requires mouth protection. Players who participate in basketball, baseball, soccer, wrestling, squash, racquetball, lacrosse, rugby, in-line skating and martial arts, or even recreational sports such as skateboarding and bicycling, should wear mouthguards when practicing or competing.

What are the factors that affect the fit of a mouthguard?

"A dentist will consider a number of factors when fitting a patient for a mouthguard," says Dr. McConnachie. "Size of mouth, bite, type of sport played and whether or not the patient wears braces or other appliances are all important considerations. Each patient's very specific needs must be addressed for maximum comfort and protection."

Many athletes resist wearing a mouthguard because of bulkiness and poor fit. Custom-made mouthguards are the most comfortable, non-bulky and form-fitting. This leads to increased use and fewer injuries.

Are there different types of mouthguards?

There are three basic types of mouthguards.

Type	Description
Custom-made	The dentist takes an impression of the patient's mouth and the mouthguard is fabricated from a cast model of the patient's teeth.  This method provides the best fit, protection and comfort.  The custom-made mouthguard is most durable, can be modified for specific sports and patient-need and does not interfere with speech or breathing.
Boil and bite or mouth-formed	This type of mouthguard requires heating in warm water and then the user bites into the warm plastic. Because it is not vacuum-fitted onto a model of the patient's teeth, the fit is not as precise. The heating process will also reduce the longevity of the mouthguard. Discuss this option with your dentist.
Stock or ready-made	Made of rubber or polyvinyl, the ready-made mouthguard is a generic fit with limited comfort, protection and durability.  It is often bulky and loose-fitting and may interfere with breathing and speech.

Care for Your Mouthguard so It Cares for You!

Caring for your mouthguard will help it take care of your teeth longer. Take a few moments to:

• Rinse your mouthguard under cold water after each use and air-dry. Occasionally clean it with mild soap and water or mouthwash.
• Store your mouthguard in a plastic container when not in use to avoid damage due to excessive heat and cold.
• Wear your mouthguard properly. Do not cut or alter it and do not chew on it.
• Check your mouthguard regularly and let your dentist know if it shows any signs of wear, or has any tears or cracks that may weaken it. If the bite has changed and the mouthguard no longer fits well, it can sometimes be adjusted by the dentist.

Do's and Don'ts of Tooth Injuries

Prevention isn't always full-proof, so if you play any sports, learn what to do in case of a mouth injury. Here are some Do's and Don'ts:

• DO make sure you receive prompt medical treatment in the case of injury sustained to the jaw where there was a loss of consciousness, no matter how brief the loss of consciousness was.
• DO make sure that you go to the dentist as quickly as possible after an injury to the teeth and/or jaw has occurred. Time is critical to the chances of saving the tooth/teeth.
• DON'T place the lost or broken tooth/teeth in tissue paper or gauze while on the way to the dentist.
• DO store the dislodged tooth/teeth in cold milk or in sterile saline solution on your way to the dentist. Ideally, ask your dentist about commercially available tooth injury kits.
• DON'T assume that non-contact sports can't cause mouth injuries.

About the Ontario Dental Association

The Ontario Dental Association (ODA) and its members are committed to providing exemplary oral health care. The ODA is a voluntary professional association representing almost 80 percent of Ontario dentists. As Ontario's primary source of information on dental health and the profession, the ODA has been enhancing public awareness of the importance of oral health since 1867. The ODA works with health-care professionals, governments and the private sector to attain the highest possible quality standards of health care for Ontarians. Visit the ODA Web site: www.oda.on.ca.

SOURCE: Ontario Dental Association

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