Mouth guards are worn to reduce and prevent injuries to the teeth, mouth, cheeks, tongue and the jaw. Without a mouth guard, the risk of injury is substantial and can include chipped or broken teeth; damage to crowns and bridgework; cuts to the soft tissue of lips and cheeks; injuries to the roots of teeth; fractured jaws and concussions. A severe hit to the head can result in brain injury, which causes physical and mental difficulties that may last for years.
For these reasons, mouth guards are a standard and necessary piece of athletic equipment that should be worn from an early age.
Custom-fitted mouth guards are made personally for you by your dentist. Although the cost is higher, the fit and comfort of a custom-fitted mouthguard is superior to all other kinds. An additional mouth guard may be required for those with orthodontic work such as braces or bridgework on their lower teeth. Ask us about our FREE offer.
Boil and bite mouth guards are widely available at sporting goods stores and pharmacies. They are made soft and pliable by boiling them in water first; then they are inserted into the mouth and manipulated with fingers and tongue pressure to form a mould around the teeth. Boil and bite mouth guards may fit better than stock mouth protectors, but are inferior to custom-fitted mouth guards.
Generic mouth guards are the least expensive option. They are pre-moulded and do not require any preparation for wear. Unfortunately, they often don’t fit very well. Because their shape is pre-determined, they are uncomfortable to wear and difficult to breath and talk in. Stock mouth guards offer very little to no protection and as such are not recommended by dentists.
Learn How Custom Mouth Guards Are Made