Dental Mouth Guard

Mouth guards protect the teeth, gums, and supporting tissues from damage, injury, and trauma. However, they are not all created equal. The two main types of sports mouth guards are over the counter (OTC) and custom. While OTC guards are helpful on occasion, many individuals need a customized dental mouth guard fitted by a professional to prevent injury effectively.

Benefits of Custom Sports Mouth Guards

Here’s how a custom sports mouth guard can help prevent oral injuries:

Creates a layer of protection between the teeth and surrounding soft tissue. This can prevent damage to the lips and cheeks.
Cushions blows to the chin and jaw by redistributing the shock of the impact. This can prevent jaw dislocation and tooth fractures.
Protects the lower and upper teeth in case of a fall.
Supports the mandible and protects it from damage due to unsupported lower jaw movement.
Prevents some neurological injury by absorbing the shock of a blow. Without a mouth guard, trauma from the jaw can redistribute to the base of the skull, potentially causing a concussion.
Provides some protection from neck injuries.

Wearing a mouth guard can give you the confidence to play hard and concentrate on the win. Knowing you are protected in the event of impact allows you to give the game your all! Our dentists fit you for a custom sports mouth guard on-site.

Dental mouth guards have long been used to protect the teeth, gums and supporting tissues from damage, injury and trauma. There are two types of sports mouth guards – over the counter and custom. While OTC guards are helpful for occasional use, many dental patients require the benefit of a customized dental mouth guard fitted by a dentist to effectively prevent injury.

Caring for your new custom mouth guard is simple.

The American Dental Association recommends keeping protected in a sturdy container in between usage. You should also be careful to clean your mouth guard after use and occasionally soak it in cool, soapy water for thorough sanitation. Custom dental mouth guards are designed for durability, but it is important to check your mouth guard for signs of wear every few months. Mouth guards for children and teens must be replaced frequently to account for growing jaws and changes to the teeth.

A closeup photograph of a karate student holding a sports mouth guard out in his glove-covered hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a dental mouth guard?

There are various reason why a custom mouth guard could be right for you, including:

Nighttime wear to prevent damage from teeth grinding
Tooth and lip protection during high-impact sports
To function as a barrier between the lips and oral appliances.
To protect fragile bridgework

SectionWhat should I expect when I get fitted for a mouth guard?

Your visit will consist of a dental professional taking an impression of your teeth, which will be used as a mold for your custom mouth guard. You may be able to leave your appointment with your new mouth guard in hand!

How should I care for my mouth guard?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends storing your mouth guard in a sturdy container between usage. Clean your mouth guard after each use and occasionally soak it in cool, soapy water to ensure it’s sanitary. While custom dental mouth guards are designed for durability, it is essential to check your mouth guard for signs of wear every couple of months. Mouth guards for children must be replaced frequently to account for growing jaws and changes to the teeth.

Are there other special instructions I should follow?

Before leaving the office with your custom mouth guard, you’ll receive instruction on how — and when — to wear it. If you experience TMJ disorders or bruxism, you’ll likely wear your mouthguard at night. However, if you play recreational sports, you may only need to wear it during physical activity.

For more information about our offerings, including general dentistry and emergency care, reach out to the team at Dental Beauty today!