Mouth guards offer necessary dental health protection

With sports injuries to the mouth and teeth becoming increasingly common, dentists are calling for more awareness of the importance of wearing mouth guards.

This type of protection is already required for hockey and football players, but experts say those who play many other sports – such as basketball, baseball, gymnastics, soccer and volleyball – could also benefit from guards.

Mouth protectors may be custom-fitted by a dentist or may be bought pre-formed and ready-to-wear. An additional option available at some sporting good stores is a boil-and-bite guard, which is softened in water and permitted to adapt to the shape of the mouth.

Generally, mouth guards are used to protect upper teeth by cushioning a potential blow, as well as protecting the soft tissue of the cheeks and lips.

If a patient has braces or fixed bridge work, a dentist may recommend the use of protection on the bottom teeth as well.

However, those who wear retainers or other removable orthodontic appliances should also make sure they do not wear them while playing sports.

Approximately 200,000 sports-related mouth injuries are prevented each year through the use of mouth guards, according to the California Dental Association.

The importance of dental care for dentures

People who have dentures should make sure to take proper care of them, giving their mouth a similar amount of attention as they would with natural teeth.

The American Dental Association recommends that individuals use a soft-bristled brush to clean their dentures each morning, along with hand soap, dishwashing liquid or a dental cleanser.

They should also remember to brush their gums, tongue and palate to help encourage circulation and eliminate plaque.

When not in use, dentures should be placed to soak in water or a cleansing solution so they do not dry out and lose their shape.

Furthermore, it is important for denture-wearers to visit a dentist on a regular basis for a full examination. Typically, dentures will be replaced every five years.

Sometimes, dentures become loose because of the pressure exerted on the jaw bones, causing them to slip and result in discomfort. Relining dentures may help on a temporary basis, but sometimes the bone has partially disintegrated.

If this is the case, dental implants may be the best treatment option, as they will help secure the denture in place and allow the wearer to safely eat a variety of foods.