Do I need a Sports Mouth Guard?
Do I need a Sports Mouth Guard?
Dental injuries are the most common oro-facial injury sustained while participating in sports. The National Youth Sports Foundation for Safety cites an athlete is 60 times more likely to incur damage to the teeth when not wearing a mouth guard. It is estimated the custom mouth guards professional designed by dentists prevent approximately 200,000 injuries each year in high school and college football!
Sports guards, mouth guards and mouth protectors all describe: a device worn over your teeth to protect them from injury during sporting events. Mouth guards are an important piece of athletic equipment for everyone regardless of age and sport being played. Mouth guards typically cover the upper teeth. They are intended to protect against broken teeth, abrasions to the lips and other painful injuries.
A mouth protector may be recommended by our office for the lower teeth. Typically this recommendation is based on hardware in your mouth (ie braces, bridges etc…)
Different Types of Mouth Guards?
Regardless of the type you choose, it should be resilient, tear-resistant and comfortable. It should also fit properly and not restrict your speech or breathing. The three types of mouth guards are:
· Custom-made mouth guards — In our opinion, the best choice if your budget allows. Custom mouth guards provide the most comfort as they are unique to your mouth. Not surprise, they are likely to provide the most comfortable fit and best protection. During an office appointment, we make a mold or impression of your teeth and then construct the mouth guard over the model. Most athletes prefer custom made mouth guards. If you would like to learn more or set up an appointment, please visit our site.
· Boil and bite mouth guards — These are a hardened, pre-shaped plastic that can made pliable by boiling in water, then biting into the softened plastic for a customized fit. They can be bought at many sporting goods stores. They are not as good as custom made mouth guards by a professional, but are better than stock mouth guards.
· Stock mouth guards — These are inexpensive and not the best choice. They are pre-formed (but remember one size does not fit all!) Typically they are uncomfortable and inhibit speech and breathing.
Life Expectancy of Mouth Guard?
Adult mouth guards should ideally be replaced after each season to maintain optimum efficiency and protection. Adolescents should absolutely replace after every season as their mouths and teeth are continuing to grow changing the fit and protection of their mouth guard.
Best Practice – Most athletes will get their custom mouth guard replaced every 6 months during their bi-annual cleaning and check up.
