[July 22, 2011] How to ... Use a mouthguard Tweet Jul 22, 2011 (Daily Press (Newport News - McClatchy-Tribune News Service via COMTEX) -- HOW TO ... USE A MOUTHGUARD Mouthguards aren't only important in high-contact sports such as football and soccer, according to the American Dental Association. "The safer we can be in a wide range of activities, the better," says Ruchi K. Sahota, a California-based dentist and ADA adviser. Her tips: Assess your risk. Mouthguards are a good idea in any activity that might cause a blow to the face, including many sports and recreational activities such as biking, skateboarding and rollerblading. Look beyond the teeth. In addition to preventing tooth loss or chipping, mouthguards can guard against serious cuts to the mouth, tongue and lips, facial fractures and some head, jaw and neck injuries. Check the fit. Mouthguards should feel comfortable _ without interfering with talking or breathing _ and stay securely in place. Dentists can custom-fit them; off-the-shelf types tend to be less effective but are less expensive and still offer some protection. Have a dentist check the fit at least once a year. Protect them from damage. Keep mouthguards out of the hot sun and hot water, which can change their shape, and don't chew on them. Store them in a cool location, preferably in a case that allows for some airflow. Clean them regularly. Sahota recommends using a soft toothbrush and antibacterial soap followed by a thorough rinse, ideally after each use. Note: Toothpaste can be too abrasive and scratch the plastic. Replace as needed. Watch for signs of damage such as thinning, fraying, roughness or tears. Educate kids. If young athletes understand why wearing mouthguards is important, they'll be much more likely to do it. ___ (c) 2011, Daily Press (Newport News, Va.). Visit dailypress.com, the World Wide Web site of the Daily Press at http://dailypress.com and on America Online at keyword "dailypress." Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]