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Dentists recommend you get a custom-fitted mouthguard for protection in all sports. SUN-TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO Bob Boadway, a long-time Stouflville dentist and week- end athlete, said such inciâ€" dents are a rarity. As a dentist who also makes custom-fit mouth- guards for his patients, Dr. Boadway suggested the prescribed route for an ath- lete to take if they wish to they must be checked peri- odically. Youngsters up to 18 years of age should purchase a new one every year, he said. Athletes 18 years of age “It was now in a form where it could and almost did choke the player," he said. While this incident might be deemed a freak occur- rence, Easter feels that dur- ing the course of a long sea- son, players should check the condition of their month guards. “How he almost swal- lowed it I’ll never know," Mr. Boadway said. The guard was the type you cut and place in boiling water to fit. DENTIST / ATHLETE It had been cut extensively after being chewed on for the better part of a season, too, head coach Don Easter said. In that condition, the devices fail to provide much protection, Easter said. During an Ontario Minor Hockey Association playoff tilt, the player was clipped by a high stick as he attempted to check an opponent. The impact caused the player to partially swallow his mouth He skated to the bench where Clippers’ assistant coach Bill Crago performed a Heimlich manoeuvre. Mr.Cragowasableto expel the guard from the player's throat, where it had been blocking his air passage. It doesn’t pay to go the inexpensive route. as a Stouflville minor hockey player learned, the hard way. The use of a non~custom, store-bought guard almost caused serious injury to the minor midget Clipper player. Mouthguard nearly chokes Stouffville hockey player CUSTOM-FITTED MODELS RECOMMENDED OVER STOREâ€"BOUGHT Looking for a mouthâ€" BY MIKE HAYAKAWA Staff Writer DON'T “88 I'll! “SUM”! 'I'lllllEl MARKETING [IMMUNITY [IF THE YEAR! PI“ MI huslnoss taco “I [8130 WI“! “W 0" mm comma IIIIIIIOII EM! space 8“. available. comaâ€"8591 1-800-893â€"1988 METRO mourn CONVENTION CENTRE Dr. Boadway also said custom fit pieces cost about the same as those models purchased from a sportâ€" ing good store. Dr. Boadway changes around $30 for cus- tom guards. Regardless if they are store-boughtorcustom-fitted models. Dr. Boadway warned they must be checked peri- odically. “They fit tighter,” he said of custom-fitted devices. “You almost have to use your fingernails to get them out.” purchase one is to get them from their dentist. - Store your mouthguard in a plastic container when not in use to avoid damage due to exces- sive heat and cold. - Wear your mouthguard prop edy. Do not cut or alter it and do not chew on it. Takeafewmomentsto: - Rinse your mouthguard under cold water after ead1 use and aiHiry. Occasionally clean it with mild soap and water or mouthâ€" wash. ~Oredyouvmoufitguatdregu- lartyandletyourdentistknow ifitshowsanysigmofweanor hasanytearsorcradsmatmay weaken ittfthe bitehaschanged andmemoumguardnolongetfits wel|,itcan sometimes be adjusted bythedentist Caring foryour mouthguard will help ittake (are of your teeth longecthe Ontario Dental Associa- look after your guard so it can protect you - . lam roam" Toronto’s â€" youmralhealth.ca Many aflfletes resist wearâ€" ing a mouthguard because of bulkiness and poor fit. Cus- tom-made mouthguards are the most comfortable. nonâ€" bulky and form~fitting. This leads to increased use and fewer injuries, he said. Players who participate in basketball, baseball. soccer. wrestling, squash, racquet- ball, lacrosse, rugby, in-line skating and martial arts, or even recreational sports such as skateboarding and bicyâ€" cling, should wear mouth- guards when practising or competing. What are the factors that affect the fit of a mouth- guard? “A dentist will consider a number of factors when fitting a patient for a mouthguard," says Dr. McConnachie. “Size of mouth, bite, type of sport played and whether or not the patient wears braces or other appliances are all important considerations Each patient's very specific needs must be addressed for maximum comâ€" fort and protection.” and over can use them for a couple of years before pur- chasing a new one since their teeth have stopped glowing, he said. “The primary benefit of mouthguards is in the pro- tection of teeth and gums from serious injury,” says Dr. Ian McConnachie, a pediat- ric dentist and former presi- dent of the Ontario Dental Association. “Mouthguards have also been cited as an additional prevention of con- cussions and other serious injuries where the lower teeth and jaw are forced up against the upper teeth and jaw. The evidence for this prevention is not as strong.” All athletes, all ages, the ODA says. Any sport with a strong chance for contact with other participants or hard surfaces requires mouth protection, it says. CONCUSSION PREVENTION? Who should wear a mouthguard?