The document discusses mouth guards, including their purpose, types, and importance in preventing dental and other injuries during contact sports. It notes that mouth-formed mouth guards are most commonly used but custom-made ones provide the best protection. Dental providers should educate patients on proper use and maintenance of mouth guards. The document also discusses dental desensitizing agents that can be used in the dental office and at home.

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Primary Preventive Dentistry, Eighth Edition
Harris | Garcia-Godoy | Nathe

As a dental provider, it is necessary to:
 Promote the use of athletic mouth guards.
 Educate the public on the value of mouth
protection during contact sports.
 Fabricate mouth guards as needed during
patient care.
 Educate patients on the maintenance and
use of mouth guards.
Introduction

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
It is a removable oral appliance that
protects the hard and soft tissues of the
mouth during contact sports.
A mouth guard protects by absorbing
energy during an impact, thus decreasing
the likelihood of trauma to the oral cavity
and possibly to the brain.
Sometimes called a mouth protector.
Mainly worn on the maxillary teeth
Introduction:
What is a Mouth guard?

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
Boxers were the first athletes to use mouth
guards
 They used to place other materials such as
cotton and gutta-percha between lips and teeth
for protection.
Were originally referred to as gum shields
Marks constructed the first custom-fitted
mouth guard in the early 1900s.
Historical Perspective

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
In 1962, the use of mouth guards was
mandated in high school and junior
college football by the National Alliance
Football Rules Committee.
By 1973, the National Collegiate
Athletic Association (NCAA) followed.
Mouth Guard Use

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
Many injuries can occur, especially dental
trauma, which includes injury to the teeth,
mouth, periodontium, soft tissues, and
temporomandibular joint.
There is a link between athletic activities
and dental injuries.
Chipped and avulsed incisor teeth are the
most common injuries.
Contact Sport
Injuries

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
Mouth guards may prevent:
 Chipping
 Fracturing
 Displacement
 Avulsion of the teeth
 Concussions
 Cerebral hemorrhages
Mouth Guard Protection
and Injury Prevention

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
Mouth guards may prevent
(continued):
 Incidents of unconsciousness
 Jaw fractures
 Neck injuries
Mouth Guard Protection
and Injury Prevention

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
There are three types of mouth guards:
 Stock
 Mouth-formed
 Custom made
Types of Mouth Guards

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
Made by the dentist specifically for the
patient
Impressions of the patient for a study model
More expensive
Better fit and most protection to the mouth
Custom-Fitted

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
Custom-made athletic mouth guard.

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
“boil and bite”
Usually purchased in sporting goods or
athletic stores
Softened in heated water, inserted into the
mouth, and the molded to fit the individuals
arch
Directions must be followed carefully to
ensure that the mouth guard fits properly
Mouth-Formed

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
Mouth Formed

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
Pre-formed and ready to wear
Inexpensive
Do not fit as well as the other 2 types of
mouth guards
Stock or Ready-Made

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
Ready-made

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
Mouth-formed (boil and bite) mouth guards
are used most frequently (90%), but custom
made mouth guards (10%) are most effective
in preventing injury.
Mouth Guards

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
Instruct patients on the maintenance of
mouth guard.
 Rinse and brush mouth guard after each
use.
 Do not rinse in hot water or keep in
unusually hot environments; this could lead
to distortion.
Dental Provider's Role In Mouth
Guard Use

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
Dental desensitizing agents are used both in
office and at home for various desensitizing
needs
In-office desensitizing agents are used to
desensitize exposed root surfaces, in tooth
preparation for both direct and indirect
restorations, as well as before and after tooth
bleaching
Desensitizing Agents

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
Used to treat or prevent hypersensitivity in the
teeth
Hypersensitivity can be caused by cold, heat or
contact
In some procedures, etchants are used to
increase bonding/retention of the tooth surface
and restorative materials
The etchant opens and exposes dentin tubules,
which sometimes cause hypersensitivity
In-Office Desensitizing Agents

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
Patients who use certain whitening agents need
to be treated with a desensitizer
Can be used under all types of restorations,
bonding agents, temporary fillings, and
permanent cement
Available in various viscosities, desensitizing
agents may be delivered via prefilled syringe,
single-use droppers or bottle droppers
May be self-curing or light-curing
In-Office Desensitizing Agents

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
Home desensitizing agents also are available to aid
patients with dental hypersensitivity
They often have a higher pH than their in-office
counterparts for patient safety and because they
will be used more frequently
Most dental desensitizing agents contain fluoride
When choosing a dental desensitizing agent,
research which product will perform best for each
procedure, both at home and at the office.
Desensitizing Agents

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
Home Desensitizing Agents
The only at-home stannous
fluoride treatment accepted
by the ADA for decay
prevention and sensitivity
relief.

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
Home Desensitizing Agents