Mouth Guards
Prevent sports-related dental injuries.
What are Mouth Guards?
Anyone who participates in a sport that carries a significant risk of injury should wear a mouth protector. Sports like basketball, baseball, gymnastics, and volleyball all pose risks to your gum tissues, as well as your teeth. We usually think of football and hockey as the most dangerous to the teeth, but nearly half of sports-related mouth injuries occur in basketball and baseball.
A mouth guard can prevent serious injuries such as concussions, cerebral hemorrhages, incidents of unconsciousness, jaw fractures and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw gets jammed into the upper jaw. Mouth guards are effective in moving soft issue in the oral cavity away from the teeth, preventing laceration and bruising of the lips and cheeks, especially for those who wear orthodontic appliances.
Mouth protectors, which typically cover the upper teeth, can cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth. If you wear braces or another fixed dental appliance on your lower jaw, a mouth protector is available for these teeth as well.
A properly fitted mouth protector may be especially important for people who wear braces or have fixed bridge work. A blow to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. A mouth protector also provides a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, limiting the risk of soft tissue injuries. Although mouth protectors typically only cover the upper teeth, your dentist or orthodontist may suggest that you use a mouth protector on the lower teeth if you have braces on these teeth too. If you have a retainer or other removable appliance, do not wear it during any contact sports.
Types of mouth guards — Which one is better?
Stock – Inexpensive and come pre-formed, ready to wear. Unfortunately, they often don’t fit very well. They can be bulky and can make breathing and talking difficult.
Boil and bite – Can be bought at many sporting goods stores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. They should be softened in water, then inserted and allowed to adapt to the shape of your mouth. If you don’t follow the directions carefully you can wind up with a poor-fitting mouth protector.
Custom-fitted – Made by your dentist for you personally. They are more expensive than the other versions, but because they are customized, they can offer a better fit than anything you can buy off the shelf.
Why do I need a mouthguard if I don’t play contact sports?
Many sports, including basketball, baseball, and gymnastics, pose a risk of dental injuries. Nearly half of all sports-related mouth injuries occur in sports that aren’t traditionally considered high-contact.
How is a custom mouthguard different from store-bought options?
Custom mouthguards are professionally crafted to fit your teeth perfectly, offering better comfort, protection, and durability than stock or boil-and-bite options. They also allow for easier breathing and speaking.
Can I wear a mouthguard if I have braces?
Yes! A custom-fitted mouthguard is especially important for those with braces, as it protects both your teeth and orthodontic appliances. Your dentist may also recommend a lower-jaw mouthguard for added protection.
How long does a custom mouthguard last?
With proper care, a custom mouthguard can last several seasons. However, growing children and teens may need replacements more frequently as their teeth and jaw develop.
How do I care for my mouthguard?
Rinse your mouthguard with cold water or mouthwash after each use. Store it in a ventilated case and avoid exposing it to high temperatures, which can warp the material. Regularly check for wear and replace it as needed.