Did you know that April is National Facial Protection Month? As prosthodontists, we at the Oyster Bay Family Dentists frequently restore missing and broken teeth. We want to see our work protected, and we want to ensure that our general dentistry patients who have not experienced traumatic injuries continue to enjoy their natural teeth. To that end, we thought this would be a good month to remind our patients of mouth guard protocols.
Athletes may complain that mouthguards are bulky and interfere with breathing, but this should not be the case when they are fitted properly. A mouthguard may be fabricated for a particular patient by a dentist, or an athlete may purchase a boil-and-bite model from online retailers or sports stores. The mouthguard and its container will need to be regularly cleaned with antibacterial soap or a cleaning solution sold by the manufacturer and should be kept out of high temperatures.
Mouthguards are required for most organized sports, including wrestling if the wrestler has braces. Orthodontic aligners are not substitutes for mouthguards. However, a young person or orthodontic patient whose teeth are shifting position rapidly may need to have their mouthguard frequently updated. People who skate and ride bicycles are also advised to wear mouthguards. We’re happy to help patients determine whether theirs needs to be refitted and to answer any other questions they may have.
Drs. Denise VeyVoda and Robert G. West operate The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at 123 South Street, Oyster Bay, New York, 11771. To schedule an appointment, call 516-922-5730 or visit Oyster Bay Dentists and fill out a contact sheet.
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