Protect your teeth, wear a mouthguard Published Oct. 3, 2011 By Patricia Moreaux 21st Dental Squadron PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Autumn is upon us and with it, the beginning of many sports seasons. Each year thousands of men and women sustain injuries to the face while playing sports. Most people associate mouthguard use with sports like football, hockey or basketball, but blows to the face occur in nearly every sport. One of the easiest ways to prevent a dental injury is to wear a mouthguard while playing sports. Custom fitted mouthguards can be worn comfortably and offer protection against an injury to your mouth, and may even reduce the severity of a concussion. The Peterson Dental Clinic offers custom mouthguards, and encourages those playing sports to get one before the onset of the fall sports season. All active duty military members who would like to have a custom mouthguard can call the Peterson Dental Clinic at 556-1333 to schedule an appointment. Family members and civilians are encouraged to either visit their dentist or purchase a "boil and bite" mouthguard.