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 (OTC) and custom. While OTC guards are helpful for occasional use, many patients benefit from a customized dental mouth guard fitted by a dentist to effectively prevent injury.

Image

Caring for Your Custom Mouth Guard

Caring for your new custom mouth guard is simple. The American Dental Association recommends keeping it in a sturdy container between uses. Clean your mouth guard after each use and occasionally soak it in cool, soapy water for thorough sanitation. Custom dental mouth guards are designed for durability, but it’s important to check for signs of wear every few months. For children and teens, mouth guards must be replaced frequently to account for growing jaws and changes in teeth.

Sports Mouth Guard FAQs

There are many reasons why wearing a dental mouth guard could be right for you. A few examples include:

  • Nighttime wear to prevent damage from teeth grinding and bruxism.
  • Tooth and lip protection during high-impact sports, such as martial arts.
  • Barrier protection between the lips and oral appliances, such as metal braces.
  • To protect fragile bridgework from damage.

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

Before you leave your dentist’s office with your new mouth guard, you’ll receive instructions on how and when to wear it. For example:

  • If you suffer from TMJ disorders or bruxism, you will likely wear your mouth guard at night.
  • If you participate in recreational sports, you may only need to wear your mouth guard during physical activity.