It is back to school season in Houston and so is the school sports season. There are many types of equipment needed to play various sports, but have you thought of a mouthguard? According to Houston Orthodontist, Dr. Brad Jennings, the advantage of using a mouth guard during sports is that it can limit the risk of injuries related to the mouth. They can help avoid chipped or broken teeth and even tooth loss. They can also help protect against injuries to the tongue, gums and lips. An injury to the face could damage braces, so a properly fitting mouthguard can protect against this. It is important to remember not to wear any retainers or any removable appliance during contact sports since they may put your mouth at risk for injury.
Caring for a mouthguard is very easy. Here are a few tips:
First of all, rinse out your mouthguard with cold water before and after each use. You can also brush it with your toothbrush. Using toothpaste may make your mouthguard cloudy so using a mild soap is recommended. Let the mouthguard air dry thoroughly and then place it in a firm, plastic container for storage. Keep the mouthguard away from very high temperatures like direct sunlight, very hot water or hot surfaces. Check your mouthguard for any holes, tears or warping. It is important to bring your mouthguard to your dental visits so the dental professional can examine it and they may even clean it for you in an ultrasonic machine.
There are so many reasons that mouthguards are an important part of equipment in sports. So next time you’re visiting Jennings Orthodontics, let us know that you need a mouthguard and we’ll be happy to provide on to you at no cost.