Articles

Athletic Mouthguards For Protection And Performance

A mouthguard is a flexible plastic appliance that is worn during recreational and athletic activities to protect the teeth from trauma or loss and to prevent jaw fractures, neck injuries and concussions. It has been estimated that wearing a mouthguard will reduce concussions by 50%. Mouthguards also minimize lacerated and bruised lips and cheeks by keeping these soft tissue areas away from the teeth. This is especially true for youngsters with orthodontic braces. The mouth is the most injured area of the body during contact sports. Wearing mouthguards is highly recommended for those participating in boxing, basketball, field hockey, football, ice hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, soccer, wrestling, water polo and rugby. The American Dental Association for those partaking in acrobatics, gymnastics, volleyball, handball, racquetball, skiing, skydiving, squash, surfing, weightlifting, shot putting and discus throwing also suggests mouthguards. Participants in recreational activities such as skateboarding and bicycling should wear mouthguards, especially in competition. An effective mouthguard should remain in place during the activity while not interfering with speech or breathing. It should provide maximum protection while being comfortable to wear. There are three types of mouthguards from which to choose:
• Stock (Ready-made) Most sports stores carry these, and they are the least expensive. They are available in various sizes and shapes, but cannot be adjusted to fit your mouth. Often, they are loose and bulky and may interfere with speaking or breathing. These are the least desirable.
• Mouth-formed ("Boil & Bite") These are available in most sports stores and are relatively inexpensive. The plastic mouthguard shell is boiled in water for 10-45 seconds, cooled under tap water and molded and adapted directly in the mouth. Compared to custom-made guards, the fit is not as accurate, and it may not last as long.
• Custom-made This type is highly recommended and the most effective. We make them at our dental office from a cast of your teeth. While they are a little bit more expensive than the store-bought variety, they provide the greatest protection and comfort. We know it’s well worth your safety and peace of mind.

Like any other sports gear, mouthguards can wear out and lose their effectiveness. They may have to be replaced after each sports season. However, proper care will increase their longevity. Heat is bad for mouthguards, because it may cause them to deform. Keep them out of direct sunlight and never leave them in a closed car. Rinse them under cold water with each use, and occasionally use soap and cold water to clean them. When not in use, either store your mouthguard in a well-ventilated plastic box or in a container immersed in water. Don’t handle or try to wear someone else’s mouthguard.
Dental Vaccines May Prevent Tooth Decay
When we think of vaccines, what we usually think about is the prevention of diseases like Polio, Small Pox, and Hepatitis. Have you ever thought about a vaccine for dental cavities? Cavities are formed when bacteria that normally exist in your mouth use carbohydrate-containing foods (Candy, fruit soda, etc…) to produce acid. This acid can penetrate the hard surface of your teeth to make those painful, damaging holes that bring you to the dentist.
A new hope exists for a vaccine to prevent cavities. British scientists published a study (May, 1998 Nature Medicine) describing a new vaccine that is an effective and painless way to prevent dental cavities. The vaccine was developed by a California-based company called Planet Biotechnology, and was tested by a team of researchers at Guy's Hospital Dental School in London.
The vaccine, CaroRX (TM) with plantibodies SlgA, is a plant-derived substance that is painted onto the teeth. The vaccine is said to produce antibodies against the cavity causing bacteria called Streptococcus mutants. The vaccine was tested on people in a four-month study. The results revealed that a group who received the vaccine had no evidence of the cavity causing bacteria (S mutants) for up to four months, whereas a placebo group was without the bacteria for only two months. The product is still in the clinical stage testing period.