Athletes' mouthguards can harbor germs

Published: Dec. 11, 2007 at 11:29 PM

TULSA, Okla., Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Athlete mouthguards avert oral injuries and cut the risk of concussion by 50 percent, but they also can harbor germs that cause illness, a U.S. study said.

The study, published in General Dentistry, found mouthguards can be reservoirs for large numbers of bacteria, yeasts and molds that can possibly lead to life and/or health-threatening infectious/inflammatory diseases.

Lead author Thomas Glass said that athlete mouthguards appear solid, but they are very porous, like a sponge, and with use, microorganisms invade these porosities.

"Everything that a microorganism needs to survive, including food and water, can be found in a mouthguard," Glass said in a statement.

However, athletes often chew on the mouthguard and some throw it in with dirty, sweaty gear. Some never clean the mouthguard, Glass said.

To prevent illness caused by a mouthguard Glass advises to:

-- 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.

© 2007 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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