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FAQs: Athletic Mouthguards
An athletic mouthguard is a flexible appliance that is worn during athletic and recreational activities to protect teeth from trauma. Custom-fabricated mouthguards are essential for preventing athletic oral/facial injuries, such as broken teeth, jaw fractures, cerebral hemorrhages, and neck injuries. Mouthguards are effective at moving the lips and cheeks away from the teeth, thus preventing cutting and bruising of these soft tissues - especially for those who wear orthodontic appliances. Wearing a mouthguard also may reduce the severity and incidence of concussions. Read on to learn more about how to keep kids' teeth safe while playing team sports
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Avoid Diver's Mouth Syndrome
Before you go scuba diving, see your dentist because this sport can lead to jaw joint pain, gum tissue problems or tooth pain. All of these symptoms add up to “diver’s mouth syndrome,” a condition that is caused by the mouthpiece and by the air pressure change involved in scuba diving – a sport that is enjoyed by about 4 million enthusiasts in the United States. At first, divers may not notice the discomfort in their mouth cased by an ill-fitting mouthpiece, but when they conclude their dive, they may notice the jaw joint pain or gum lacerations.
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Seniors' Oral Health
How Can I Take Care of My Teeth as I Age?
 Proper oral care can keep you smiling well into retirement. Brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush are as important as ever. Flossing can help you save your teeth by removing plaque between teeth and below the gumline that your toothbrush cannot reach. Read on to learn how to take care of your smile and keep it looking its best |
Men's Oral Health
Under 30? Check for Oral Cancer
 In the past decade, the dental profession has seen a considerable increase in the number of oral cancer patients under age 30 who have no identifiable risk factors of contracting the disease, such as tobacco or alcohol use. Although national surveys show that the U.S. adult population is ill-informed about the risk factors of developing oral cancers, as well as its signs and symptoms, most dentists perform oral cancer exams. Learn how your dentist can help.
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