Mouth guards recommended for use during sport events

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Wyatt Stinnett
  • 341st Medical Operations Squadron dental technician
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Summer is over and that means it is time for fall and winter sports. Without proper protection of your teeth, many sports injuries result in dental trauma, tooth damage or loss, and dental pain. One way to prevent traumatic injuries to your teeth is by using a properly-fitted mouth guard while participating in any type of contact sport. According to the American Dental Association, mouth guards prevent more than 200,000 types of these injuries that are typically sustained among high school and college students. As part of their commitment to excellence, the dental clinic staff here recommends the use of a protective mouth guard for all active-duty members and their families engaged in contact sports.

Typically, all mouth guards are custom-made for better comfort, strength and improved fit. Besides the obvious benefits of wearing a sport mouth guard, such as injury prevention to one's teeth and gums, mission readiness of the individual may not be compromised.

Although all mouth guards are made to protect one's teeth and gums, not all of them are fabricated in the same fashion. The cost and quality are determined by the choices available. One can stop at a local sporting goods store and purchase one off the shelf at minimal cost, and follow simple instructions for its fabrication. Although this choice is good, a personalized mouth guard is best. The dental staff at the Malmstrom Clinic can make a painless mouth impression of your teeth, fabricate the custom-made mouth guard, and deliver a well-fitted product within a short period of time. There is no fee for this service.

Enjoy your favorite fall and winter sports with confidence that your teeth can be protected from injuries by the use of a custom-made sports mouth guard. The Malmstrom Dental Clinic provides this essential service as part of our professional commitment to our Airmen.