How to prevent damage?
It has been widely proved that using a mouthguard considerably decreases the consequences of blows. Above all it has been proved that the level of protection afforded by a mouthguard depends on its quality and characteristics. Its function should be to ac t as a valid protection not only for the teeth and the surrounding tissues, but also for the jaw.

FIGURE 4 The ProtexsmileŽ occlusal cushion protects the teeth and the jaw. The area coloured red demonstrates the quantity and the distribution of material after the ProtexsmileŽ has been personalised.

How can one recognise a valid mouthguard?
To be classified valid, the mouthguard should cover the areas exposed to the risk of trauma with an adequate thickness of material, and should be provided with a suitable occlusal cushion. (FIG. 4). The occlusal cushion m ust ensure effective support and anchorage of the jaw so preventing the lower teeth from violently hitting the upper teeth. To be considered effective, it must obviously be of a correct extension and size. In custom mouthguards made by the dentist, the o cclusal cushion has an average thickness of about 3 mm, distributed according to each individual's natural upper and lower teeth position. In normal ready-made mouthguards (available over the counter in sports shops) the size of the occlusal cushion is often compromised by uncontrolled closing of the teeth during the fitting stage, after having softened the mouthguard in boiling water. This obviously results in partial or even total loss of the occlusal cushion.