Do: At St Bethlehem Dental Care we feel that you should wear a mouthguard at all times when playing sports.  Wear a mouthguard custom-fitted by a dentist, especially if you wear bridges or braces.

Don't: Wear removable appliances like retainers when playing sports.

There are three types of mouthguards recognized by the International Academy for Sports Dentistry:

Custom-made: Designed by a dentist and made on a cast of your teeth.  These cause very little interference with speaking or breathing.  They provide the best protection and fit over braces and fixed bridges.  They also cost more.

Mouth-formed: This is also known as the “Boil and Bite” mouthguard. It does have a custom fit but is usually not sufficient as the athlete will alter it by trimming it down too far or chewing on it thus reducing or eliminating its effectiveness.

Ready-made: These “stock” mouthguards are purchased at most sporting goods stores.  They are the least expensive, the least effective, and least comfortable.

“Dr. Carroccia, how do I care for my mouthguard?”

= Keep it secure in a firm, perforated container to help air    circulation and damage prevention. = Before and after uses, rinse it with cold water. Cleaning it with    toothpaste isn’t a bad idea either. As an added bonus, a study    showed that mint flavors help stimulate athletes! = Avoid high temperatures and/or sunlight that might distort your    mouthguard. = Check it for tears and holes as they can diminish the protection    and irritate your gums. = Bring it to your checkups for an evaluation of its condition as    well.

Please call our office at (931) 648-3233 if you would like to "play it safe!" and wear a comfortable mouthguard and protect your teeth.