Keeping your smile Safe

  • Published
  • By Capt. Zachary Perry
  • 48th Dental Squadron
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation estimates that sports-related injuries will result in a loss of about five million teeth for U.S. youth this year. However, there is good news. According to the American Dental Association more than 200,000 oral injuries are prevented annually in the U.S. by sports mouth guards. Wearing a mouth guard can prevent a variety of injuries, such as broken and dislodged teeth; lacerations to the lip, cheek and chin; and fractures of the facial bones, especially the cheek bones and mandible.

Mouth guards not only prevent tooth damage, but also help prevent several types of injuries. It is recommended that people of all ages use a properly fitted mouth guard in any sporting or recreational activity that may pose a risk of injury. Wearing a sports mouth guard is especially important for children to use because their teeth are still developing. If you have braces or an orthodontic appliance, please consult your orthodontist for advice on a mouth guard.

There are several types of mouth guards, including stock, boil and bite, and custom fit. Stock mouth guards are inexpensive and most often come pre-formed, ready to wear. Unfortunately, stock mouth guards often don't fit very well and can make breathing and talking difficult. Boil and bite mouth guards can be bought at any sporting goods store and may offer a better fit than stock mouth guards. This is a good choice if you need one quickly. They should be boiled in water, then inserted and allowed to form to the shape of the mouth. It is important to follow the directions carefully or you can wind up with a poor-fitting mouth guard. Custom-fitted mouth guards are made in a dental office and customized to your teeth. These fit better and are more comfortable to wear.

No matter what type or how much you spend on a mouth guard, all effective mouth guards should meet the following requirements. They should protect teeth, soft tissue, bone structures, temporomandibular joint disorder and reduce the incidence of concussions and neck injuries. In addition to protection, they need to be comfortable, remain securely in place while in use and not restrict your speech or breathing.

Anyone who is physically active and plays a contact sport should wear a mouth guard. Remember, the more active you are, the more important it is to your safety. If you are active duty or a dependent of an active duty member, you can schedule to have a custom mouth guard fabricated. Boil and Bite mouth guards are sold at the Army and Air Force Exchange Service on RAF Mildenhall, or you can pick one up at the Lakenheath dental clinic. For more information, visit your dental care provider at the Lakenheath dental clinic, or call 226-8800.

Mouthguard Clinic

Lakenheath Dental Clinic will be holding a mouthguard clinic on June 3 for custom mouthguard fittings. To schedule your appointment for a mouthguard appliance, contact Lakenheath Dental Clinic at: 226-8812 (This number is applicable for mouthguard appointments only.)