A sports mouth guard is a protective appliance worn over the teeth during athletic activities.
Its purpose is to help absorb and distribute the force of an impact that might otherwise damage the teeth or surrounding tissues. A mouth guard can also provide a protective barrier between the teeth and the lips, cheeks, and tongue.
Mouth guards are commonly associated with contact sports, but they can be useful for many activities where a fall, collision, equipment, or another participant could cause an injury to the mouth.
Why Are Mouth Guards Important?
Dental injuries can happen quickly during sports.
A direct impact to the mouth can chip, crack, loosen, or knock out a tooth. The teeth can also cut the lips, cheeks, or tongue during a collision.
Wearing an appropriately fitted mouth guard adds a protective layer around the teeth and can help reduce the risk and severity of certain dental and soft-tissue injuries.
A mouth guard cannot prevent every sports-related injury, but it is a simple way to help protect your teeth while participating in activities where impacts are possible.
Who Should Wear a Sports Mouth Guard?
Mouth guards may be recommended for children, teenagers, and adults who participate in activities with a risk of contact or falls.
This can include sports such as:
- Hockey
- Football
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Rugby
- Lacrosse
- Martial arts
- Boxing and other combat sports
Mouth guards can also be considered for activities that may not traditionally be classified as contact sports but still carry a risk of falling or being struck in the mouth.
Your dentist can help you determine whether a mouth guard would be appropriate for your sport or activity.
What Is a Custom Mouth Guard?
A custom mouth guard is made specifically to fit your teeth and mouth.
Your dental team takes an impression or digital scan of your teeth, which is used to create a guard designed around your individual dental anatomy.
A close fit helps the mouth guard remain in position while you move, speak, and breathe during physical activity.
The design may also take factors such as your bite, existing dental work, and the type of activity you participate in into consideration.
Custom Mouth Guards vs. Store-Bought Mouth Guards
Several types of athletic mouth guards are available.
Custom Mouth Guards
Custom guards are made using an impression or scan of your teeth. Because they are created for your mouth, they can provide a more precise fit and may be easier to keep securely in place during activity.
Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards
Boil-and-bite guards are softened in hot water and then shaped around the teeth at home. They offer some ability to customize the fit but are not individually fabricated from a dental impression or scan.
Stock Mouth Guards
Stock mouth guards come in predetermined shapes and sizes and are worn without being individually formed to the teeth.
The right option depends on the activity, level of risk, comfort, fit, and individual needs. Regardless of the type, a mouth guard should fit securely enough to provide protection without unnecessarily interfering with breathing or communication.
