Mouth guards: Sports equipment that protects the smile

  • Published
  • By 96th Dental Squadron
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  It's easy to take some things for granted until they are suddenly gone. Have you ever thought about how it would feel if you lost one or two of your front teeth? You'd probably avoid smiling. It would be uncomfortable talking with someone face-to-face. It wouldn't be easy pronouncing certain words. And how about eating an apple? Until your teeth are gone, you might not miss them. 

Each year, thousands of teens and young adults get hurt on the playing field, the basketball court, or while skateboarding, biking or during other activities. Blows to the face in nearly every sport can injure your teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue.
A properly fitted mouth guard or mouth protector, is an important piece of athletic gear that can protect your teeth and smile. You may have seen them used in contact sports, such as football, boxing and ice hockey. 

However, you don't have to be on the football field to benefit from a mouth guard. New findings in sports dentistry show that even in non-contact sports such as gymnastics, rollerblading and field hockey, mouth guards help protect teeth. Many experts recommend that a mouth guard be worn for any recreational activity that poses a risk of injury to the mouth. 

There are three types of mouth guards: The "ready-made" or stock mouth guard; the mouth-formed "boil and bite" mouth guard; and the custom-made mouth guard made by your dentist. All three mouth guards provide protection but vary in comfort and cost.
The most effective mouth guard should have several features: It should be resilient, tear-resistant and comfortable. It should fit properly, be durable and easy to clean, and not restrict your speech or breathing. 

Don't take your teeth for granted. Protect your smile with a mouth guard!

Active duty personnel involved in sports programs are eligible to receive a boil and bite mouth guard. Please contact the base fitness center, the HAWC or the 96th Dental Squadron.