Dentist gives away free mouth guards

A Vancouver dentist is giving away free mouth guards to student athletes and adults throughout the month of September.

Dr. Jared Bowyer is providing the mouth guards to anyone who stops by his office through Sept. 30. Bowyer’s office, 300 S.E. 120th Ave. Suite 700, is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Every year, Bowyer treats children with chipped or broken teeth as a result of sports and other activities. So this year, Bowyer is giving away mouth guards to try to prevent dental damage.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of athletes wearing a mouth guard, especially for those wearing braces,” he said in a news release. “Parents should consider a mouth guard as mandatory safety equipment.”

Traditional contact sports, such as football, boxing and martial arts, require mouth guards. They should also be used in non-contact sports, including basketball, baseball and soccer, Bowyer said.

In addition, mouth guards should be replaced regularly or when the edges become sharp or jagged. Mouth guards should also be replaced when they no longer fit properly or cause oral irritation, Bowyer said.