How Should Athletes Clean Their Mouthguards?
By Erik Rooklidge | Published on September 23, 2011 | 0 Comments
With the new school year kicking into gear, there is no better time to discuss the important topics of mouthguards. Children who play all types of sports could benefit from wearing mouthguards, both to protect their teeth and improve their overall playing abilities and health. Mouthguards help prevent against chipped and broken teeth, as well as nerve damage and tooth loss.
According to Dentistry for Children‘s Dr. Erik Rooklidge, a dentist who treats children in UT, parents should make sure that their children are wearing mouthguards when they participate in athletic events. Many schools do not require that mouthguards are worn by student athletes, however Dr. Rooklidge knows how important they are because he is a dentist who treats children in UT every day.
When most people think of mouthguards, they think of sports like basketball, football, lacrosse, soccer, boxing, and wrestling. In many cases, coaches and athletic leagues have put rules in places that require players to wear these protective devices while they are playing or in practice. Dr. Rooklidge takes it one step further by advising people to wear mouthguards any time they are in a situation where there is some potential for contact to the face or the head.
Cleaning these mouthguards regularly is very important, as well. A mouthguard that is put in and taken out without being properly rinsed and brushed can begin to harbor bacteria very quickly.
As a UT dentist who treats children regularly, Dr. Rooklidge recommends that his patients clean their mouthguards with a toothbrush and toothpaste each night – or at least every time after their devices have been worn. Unlike retainers and other appliances that must be worn every day, mouthguards do not need to be brushed after lunch or during routine breaks. However, they should be cleaned thoroughly at least once a day.
Parents who are thinking about buying mouthguards for their children to wear have three basic options: custom-fitted mouthguards, stock mouthguards, and boil and bite mouth guards. Of the three, custom-fitted mouthguards offer the best protection for athletes competing in full-contact sports. Although most mouthguards cover the top teeth only, it is usually recommended that patients who have orthodontic braces get custom guards that cover both their top and bottom teeth.
Overall, the UT dentist says children and adults, as well, should be wearing mouthguards whenever they play contact sports. Doing so could save people from damaging their teeth in an irreversible way.
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*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.