Generally, mouth
guards cover your upper teeth only, but in some instances (such as if
you wear braces or another fixed dental appliance on your lower jaw),
your dentist will make a mouth guard for the lower teeth as well.
Your dentist can suggest the best mouth guard for you. An effective
mouth guard should be comfortable, resist tears, be durable and easy
to clean, and should not restrict your breathing or speech.
If you grind your
teeth at night, a special mouth guard-type of dental appliance --
called a nocturnal bite plate or bite splint -- may be created to
prevent tooth damage.
What Are the Different Types of Mouth Guards?
No matter which type
of mouth guard 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:
- Stock mouth protectors are preformed and come ready to wear. They are inexpensive and can be bought at most sporting good stores and department stores. However, little can be done to adjust their fit, they are bulky, make breathing and talking difficult, and they provide little or no protection. Dentists do not recommend their use.
- Boil and bite mouth protectors also can be bought at many sporting goods stores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. The "boil and bite" mouth guard is made from thermoplastic material. It is placed in hot water to soften, then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth using finger and tongue pressure.
- Custom-fitted mouth protectors are individually designed and made in a dental office or a professional laboratory based on your dentist's instructions. First, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth and a mouth guard is then molded over the model using a special material. Due to the use of the special material and because of the extra time and work involved, this custom-made mouth guard is more expensive than the other types, but it provides the most comfort and protection.
Who Needs a Mouth Guard?
Mouth guards should
be used by anyone -- children and adults -- who play contact sports
such as football, boxing, soccer, ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse,
and field hockey. However, even those participating in noncontact
sports (for example, gymnastics) and any recreational activity (for
example, skateboarding, mountain biking) that might pose a risk of
injury to the mouth would benefit from wearing a protective mouth
guard.
Adults and children
who grind their teeth at night should have a nocturnal bite plate or
bite splint made to prevent tooth damage.
How Long Should Mouth Guards Last?
Mouth guards should
ideally be replaced after each season because they can wear down over
time, making them less effective. Replacement is especially important
for adolescents because their mouths continue to grow and teeth
continue to develop into adulthood. Many athletes who play several
sports have new mouth guards made when they go for their six-month
dental checkup.
Why Use a Mouth Guard When Playing Sports?
Because accidents
can happen during any physical activity, the advantage of using a
mouth guard during sports is that it can help limit the risk of
mouth-related injuries to your lips, tongue, and soft tissues of your
mouth. Mouth guards also help you avoid chipped or broken teeth,
nerve damage to a tooth, or even tooth loss.
Can I Wear a Mouth Guard if I Wear Braces?
Yes. Since an injury
to the face could damage braces or other fixed appliances, a properly
fitted mouth guard may be particularly important for people who wear
braces or have fixed bridge work. Your dentist or orthodontist can
determine the mouth guard that will provide the best protection for
your unique mouth work. An important reminder: do not wear any
orthodontic retainers or other removable appliance during any contact
sports or during any recreational activities that put your mouth at
risk for injury.
How Do I Care for My Mouth Guard?
To care for your
mouth guard:
-
Rinse your mouth guard with cold water or with a mouth rinse before and after each use or clean it with a mild soap and a toothbrush.
-
Clean the mouth guard in cool, soapy water and rinse it thoroughly.
-
Place the mouth guard in a firm, perforated container to store or transport it. This permits air circulation and helps to prevent damage. If the mouth guard is acrylic, keep it in fresh clean water.
-
Protect the mouth guard from high temperatures -- such as hot water, hot surfaces, or direct sunlight -- to minimize distorting its shape.
-
Occasionally check the mouth guard for general wear. If you find holes or tears in it or if it becomes loose or causes discomfort, replace it.
-
Bring the mouth guard to each regularly scheduled dental visit to have your dentist exam it.
At the dental
offices of Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD, with offices in West Hartford Center and New Britain, CT, Dr. Basil can fit you with comfortable,
custom mouth guards for sports, or to protect your teeth from
grinding or injury. To schedule an appointment, contact us online,
or call us at 860-561-2121.
Keep smiling
Dr.Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and New Britain, Connecticut. She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121
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