Sports Mouth Guards
A mouth guard is an important protective device used for various kinds of physical activities and sports. Hundreds of thousands of injuries occur every year involving the face and mouth that could be avoided or minimized if a mouth guard had been worn.
Mouth guards provide valuable protection for the jaw, face, tongue, lips, and of course, the teeth. A traumatic blow to the face can not only tear soft tissue or knock out teeth, but also may force the lower jaw into the upper jaw. A mouth guard can help keep your teeth from tearing the tissues of your mouth during a traumatic injury. Mouth guards can protect you when you're wearing bridges or braces.
Mouth guards are generally small plastic appliances that fit safely around your teeth. Many mouth guards are initially soft and pliable, allowing them to mold to yo ur teeth when first inserted. Custom-fitted mouth guards are usually made by your dentist. Custom mouth guards protect your mouth and other facial structures much better than pre-molded guards found in sporting goods stores.
Mouth guards can help prevent a whole host of traumatic injuries to the neck and jaw, as well as more serious problems such as cerebral hemorrhages and concussions. Your mouth guard needs to be cleaned and allowed to air dry after each use. You also can soak your mouth guard in an antiseptic mouthwash to help remove any germs.
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