One may assume that mouthguards should serve as a preventive measure. Insome 200,000 cases annually, mouthguards have been known to avert oralinjuries and cut the risk of concussion by 50 percent. However, while amouthguard may be popular for its ability to prevent the injuries that maytemporarily and sometimes permanently disfigure a person’s appearance,what many may not be aware of is the importance of proper maintenance,cleanliness and care to prevent disease transmission and infection.
According to a study that appears in the September/October 2007 issue ofGeneral Dentistry, mouthguards harbor large numbers of bacteria, yeasts andmolds that can possibly lead to life and/or health-threateninginfectious/inflammatory diseases.
“Everything that a microorganism needs to survive, including food and water,can be found in a mouthguard,” says Thomas Glass, DDS, PhD, lead authorof the study. “While mouthguards appear solid, they are very porous, like asponge, and with use, microorganisms invade these porosities.”
“These concerns are similar to using an infected toothbrush repeatedly orusing silverware that has not been cleaned properly,” says AGDspokesperson Bruce Burton, DMD, MAGD, ABGD. “Although a mouthguard is recommended to prevent permanent damage to the mouth andteeth, we know it also has the potential to be a reservoir for bacteria that cancause gum infections or the bacteria that help promote tooth decay.”
There are warning signs that can alert athletes that he or she may be sufferingfrom a contaminated mouthguard. Those include “difficulty breathing,wheezing, diarrhea and nausea to the point of vomiting,” says Dr. Glass.
As a high school football coach for 25 years, Dr. Burton witnessed manypoor habits athletes practiced when handling their mouthguard. “Chewing onthe mouthguard until it no longer serves the purpose of protecting thedentition is one poor habit,” says Dr. Burton. “In addition, some athletesthrow the mouthguard in with dirty, sweaty gear and never clean it.”
Mouthguard maintenance:
- Brush teeth before wearing a mouthguard.
- Never share a mouthguard with teammates.
- During sporting events, have a backup mouthguard.
- Purchase disposable mouthguards.
- Clean mouthguards before storing them.
Materials provided by Academy of General Dentistry. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
SOURCE: Academy of General Dentistry, sciencedaily.com – December 2007
