ADA News

April, when dental professionals nationwide observe National Facial Protection Month, is a good time to remind patients to use a mouthguard during recreational activities, said Dr. Maria Lopez Howell, an ADA consumer advisor spokesperson.

“Most people don’t consider wearing mouthguards while participating in sports that don’t commonly involve physical contact, but a fall off of a bike or an elbow to the jaw during a game of basketball can damage or knock out a tooth, so it’s better to be safe than sorry,” said Dr. Lopez Howell, a practicing dentist in Garden Ridge, Texas.

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (www.aaoms.org), the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (www.aapd.org) and the American Association of Orthodontists (www.braces.org) sponsor the annual National Facial Protection Month. The organizations encourage children and adults to enjoy the pleasures of the season by using common sense and taking the necessary precautions to prevent sports injuries.

As patients “spring” into a more active lifestyle, the ADA advises dental professionals to encourage patients to use protective mouthguards during sports and certain recreational activities such as rollerblading and skateboarding.

Mouthguards, which typically cover the upper teeth, can cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth, according to the ADA. A properly fitted mouthguard will stay in place and be easy for users to talk and breathe while wearing.

Dental professionals and patients can find more information on mouthguards on ADA.org (www.ada.org/2970.aspx), including treating dental emergencies, the ADA’s official statement on mouthguards, the advantages and disadvantages of stock, boil and bite and custom-fitted mouthguards and more.