Sport Mouthguards

The good news is that dental injuries are largely preventable by wearing a mouthguard. Now, for better news: you have options when it comes to guarding your mouth, face, jaw and teeth. There are three basic types of mouthguards, which include:

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• Stock. These mouthguards are sold in stores ready to wear. They are the least expensive option, but due to being pre-formed, are often bulky and ill-fitting which can make it difficult to breathe and talk while wearing them.
• Boil and bite. Available in drugstores and sporting goods stores, these are meant to be softened in boiling water, then inserted into the mouth and bitten down on to adhere to the shape of your mouth. They provide some level of customization and thus a better fit than the stock variety.
• Custom-fitted. These mouth protectors are fitted and made for you personally by your dentist. They provide the best fit and the best protection for your mouth. If you wear braces or have fixed bridge work, you will definitely want to consider a custom-fitted mouthguard from your dentist.

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Whatever kind of mouthguard you choose, remember that in order to be effective, a mouthguard should be comfortable and resilient. You want it to fit well enough that it stays in your mouth without creating discomfort, and you don’t want to be able to bite through it or for it to be easily torn.

Mouthguards typically just cover the upper teeth, but if you have braces on your lower teeth, ask a dentist if they suggest you wear a mouthguard on your lower teeth as well. Mouthguards don’t just protect your teeth; they provide protection for your lips, tongue and the soft tissues of your cheeks as well.