Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/398083
SPORTS SAFETY This brochure highlights the essential role mouthguards play in helping prevent mouth and jaw injuries. It covers how to find a guard that fits, how to take care of the appliance, and considerations for patients with orthodontia. Drives home the point that the best guard is one custom-made by your dentist. Includes a list of dental emergency procedures to tear off and save. W510 6 panels 50 per pack QTY MEMBER RETAIL 50 $26.00 $39.00 100 $45.50 $68.25 500 $192.00 $288.00 1,000 $325.00 $487.50 ORAL PIERCING: IS IT WORTH IT? Patients should know that oral piercing isn't just a matter of style — it's a health issue too. Our cautionary brochure details the dental and overall risks of piercings while letting patients know how to minimize risk if they already have piercings. Includes new "cause and effect" photos of gingival recession caused by tongue jewelry. PERSONALIZE IT #DAB076 See page 50 W284 6 panels 50 per pack QTY MEMBER RETAIL 50 $26.00 $39.00 100 $45.50 $68.25 500 $192.00 $288.00 1,000 $325.00 $487.50 SMILE TIPS FOR TEENS This concise brochure is sure to keep a teen's attention as it addresses the oral health issues that are unique to teens. Using straightforward language and images, the brochure stresses the importance of a healthy, attractive smile and the development of healthy habits for a lifetime. Tackles issues teens deal with, such as tobacco use, oral piercings, snacking, mouthguards, and eating disorders, and their effects on oral health. W256 6 panels 50 per pack QTY MEMBER RETAIL 50 $26.00 $39.00 100 $45.50 $68.25 500 $192.00 $288.00 1,000 $325.00 $487.50 O R D E R O N L I N E : A D A C ATA L O G . O R G 39 W256 W510 W284 Part of being active is knowing how to avoid injury. Along with possible cuts, bruises, and broken bones, in sports you run the risk of injuring your head, mouth and jaw. Preventing mouth injuries and knowing what to do if they happen can keep you in the game. Mouthguards, the Mvp (Most valuable protection) When it comes to protecting your smile during active sports, a properly fitted mouthguard is a key piece of athletic gear. Mouthguards cushion impact that may otherwise cause broken teeth, jaw injuries, or cuts to the lip, tongue or face. Mouthguards are most commonly used in contact sports, such as boxing, football, hockey and lacrosse. However, evidence has shown that even in non-contact sports like gymnastics or skateboarding, mouthguards help prevent mouth and jaw injuries. prevent injuries Protect your smile. If you participate in any of the following activities, the American Dental Association and the Academy for Sports Dentistry recommend that you wear a properly fitted mouthguard. Acrobatics • Baseball • Basketball • Bicycling • Boxing • Equestrian Events • Extreme Sports • Field Hockey • Football • Gymnastics • Handball • Ice Hockey • Inline Skating • Lacrosse • Martial Arts • Racquetball • Rugby • Shotputting • Skateboarding • Skiing • Skydiving • Soccer • Softball • Squash • Surfing • Volleyball • Water Polo • Weightlifting • Wrestling Don't choke! • Don't chew gum while playing active sports. A fall or push could cause you to choke. • Avoid chewing tobacco at all times, especially when playing sports. Not only does tobacco increase your risk of oral cancer and gum disease, you can gag on it, too. Find a mouthguard that fits Pick a mouthguard that: • has enough flex that it won't tear or break • fits properly and is comfortable • is easy to clean • doesn't limit speech or breathing • is custom made by your dentist Your dentist can make you or your child a custom mouthguard that is comfortable and protects the jaw. Ready-made mouthguards may be cheaper, but do not fit as well and can make it harder to speak or breathe. The less comfortable the mouthguard, the less likely it will be worn regularly. If it doesn't fit properly, it is not protective. Since treating a sports-related dental injury can cost thousands of dollars, a custom mouthguard is money well spent. Discuss types of mouthguards with your dentist and select one that works for your needs and budget. Remember: The best mouthguard is one that fits properly and is worn regularly! take care of your mouthguard • Rinse before and after each use, or brush with toothbrush and toothpaste. • To keep the mouthguard fresh, clean it in cool, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. • When carrying, place it in a firm container that lets air in. • Don't put the guard in the sun or in hot water, as it may distort or melt. • Check for wear and replace it when needed. Get the most from your guard • Don't wear removable appliances, such as retainers, with a mouthguard. • Wear a custom-fitted mouthguard if you wear braces or have a protruding jaw, receding chin, or cleft palate. • Do not chew on or cut pieces off your mouthguard. • Wear it during practice sessions as well as games. • Schedule regular dental check-ups and be sure to visit your dentist before each playing season. Bring your mouthguard to each dental visit. Mouthguards A properly fitted mouthguard, important piece of athletic gear smile. You should use a mouthguard could result in a blow to the face Mouthguards help prevent broken lips, tongue, face or jaw. A properly stay in place while you are wearing you to talk and breathe. There are three types of mouthguards: • the ready-made, or stock, mouthguard • the mouth-formed "boil and bite" mouthguard • the custom-made mouthguard made by your dentist All three mouthguards give you comfort and cost. Don't take your your smile by wearing a mouthguard. Snacking Snacking a lot during the day can increase the risk of developing tooth decay. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, forms on your teeth all the time. When you have foods or drinks that contain sugar, the bacteria in plaque produce harmful acids that attack your tooth enamel. These acids can stay in your mouth for up to 20 minutes after you eat. Frequent acid attacks can break down the enamel and cavities can develop. To keep your smile healthy, limit snacks and eat well- balanced meals made up of foods from the five major food groups: • breads, cereal, pasta and other grains • fruits • vegetables • meat, fish, poultry, dry beans, eggs and nuts • milk, yogurt and cheese If you need a snack, choose wholesome foods for good general and oral health. Skipping soda can cut down on both tooth decay and empty calories. Try water or skim milk instead. Crave something crunchy? Eat an apple or a handful of nuts instead of chips. Smoking and Chewing Tobacco No one wants to kiss a smoker—bad breath and yellow teeth are some of the less serious side effects. It is possible that smoking may lead to periodontal (gum) disease. Red swollen gums are a symptom of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can also lead to tooth loss. Smoking lessens your senses of smell and taste so you will not enjoy food like you used to. Most importantly, smoking cigarettes can cause cancer. Smoking can also lead to other medical problems like emphysema and heart disease. Chewing tobacco is different than smoking cigarettes. In addition to increasing your risk of periodontal disease, smokeless tobacco may have sugar in it to make it taste better. This sugar can cause you to develop cavities. Even worse, smokeless tobacco brings cancer-causing chemicals in direct contact with your tongue, gums and cheek. The early signs of oral cancer usually are not painful, so people often ignore them. If it is not caught in the early stages, oral cancer can require painful, sometimes disfiguring, surgery and can lead to death. There is no upside to tobacco use. If you smoke or chew, your dentist can help you quit. Eating Disorders Eating disorders damage the entire Two such eating disorders are and Anorexia Nervosa. Bulimics binge-eat and then purge, body by vomiting or other means or diet pills. The digestive system break down food. When bulimics to purge food from the body, enamel. If the vomiting continues erode tooth enamel. Bulimia can cause: • worn and translucent teeth • a swollen and tender mouth, • bad breath Anorexics do not use binging and weight. Instead, they starve themselves. of necessary nutrients, including osteoporosis, a thinning of the density. Bones in the jaw that leading to tooth loss. Talk to your dentist or physician you know may have an eating Oral Piercing and Mouth Jewelry You may be thinking about, or may already have, piercings or mouth jewelry. While many people think this trend looks cool, it has many harmful side effects. Here are some common risks of oral piercing that you may not know about: • Millions of bacteria live in your mouth, so oral piercings may become infected easily. • Your tongue — the most popular piercing site in the mouth — could swell large enough to block your airway. • Piercing can cause uncontrollable bleeding and nerve damage. • You can choke on studs, barbells or hoops that come loose in your mouth. • Teeth can chip or crack from contact with the jewelry. • Bacteria that breeds around your piercing can cause bad breath. Since your oral health is important for overall health, the effects of an oral piercing may have a greater impact than you think. You are not only risking your oral health, but also the well-being of your entire body. Smoking causes stains that can only be removed by a dentist. Healthy Habits Now is the time when you are making choices that will have an impact on the rest of your life. Good choices are reflected in your smile. Start healthy habits now, and they will stick with you for a lifetime. ADA 82208 W256 P2 11.04.09 CYAN MAG YELL BLK D_82208_W256.indd 2