Mouth guards are coverings worn over teeth, and
often used to protect teeth from injury due to teeth grinding and
sports related trauma.
There are three types of mouth guards:
- Stock mouth protectors are preformed and come
ready to wear. They are inexpensive and can be bought at most
sporting good stores and department stores. However, little can be
done to adjust their fit, they are bulky and make breathing and
talking difficult and they provide little or no protection.
Dentists do not recommend their use.
- Boil and bite mouth protectors also can be
bought at many sporting goods stores and may offer a better fit
than stock mouth protectors. The "boil and bite" mouth guard is
made from thermoplastic material. It is placed in hot water to
soften, then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth using
finger and tongue pressure.
- Custom-fitted mouth protectors are
individually designed and made in a dental office or a professional
laboratory based on your dentist's instructions. First, your
dentist will make an impression of your teeth and a mouth guard is
then molded over the model using a special material. Due to the use
of the special material and because of the extra time and work
involved, this custom-made mouth guard is more expensive than the
other types, but it provides the most comfort and best fit and
protection.
Generally, mouth guards cover your upper teeth only, but in some
instances (such as if you wear braces or another fixed dental
appliance on your lower jaw), your dentist will make a mouth guard
for the lower teeth as well. Your dentist can suggest the best
mouth guard for you. An effective mouth guard should be
comfortable, resist tears, be durable and easy to clean, and should
not restrict your breathing or speech.
If you grind your teeth at night, a special mouth guard-type of
dental appliance -- called a nocturnal bite plate or bite
splint -- may be created to prevent tooth damage.
Who needs a mouth guard?
Mouth guards should be used by anyone -- both children and
adults -- who play contact sports such as football, boxing,
soccer, ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse, and field hockey.
However, even those participating in non-contact sports (for
example, gymnastics) and any recreational activity (for example,
skateboarding, mountain biking) that might pose a risk of injury to
the mouth would benefit from wearing a protective mouth guard.