The cost of a mouth guard is minimal compared to the cost of repairing a sports injury to the teeth and the surrounding soft tissue in your mouth. An athlete is 60 times more likely to suffer harm to the teeth when not wearing a mouth guard, according to the American Dental Association. Although most often worn in contact sports, a mouth guard can even protect your teeth in a non-contact sport. Whether the mouth guard covers only your top teeth or all your teeth depends on a number of factors.
Types
Most mouth guards cover only the top teeth. Over-the-counter mouth guards that cover the top teeth come in two main types: pre-formed and boil and bite. The pre-formed mouth guards often do not fit well, although you can trim the mouth guard down to size with scissors. With the boil-and-bite type, boiling softens the mouth guard so when you bite down on it, the guard molds to the shape of your teeth for a better fit. For the best fit, the dentist can take a mold of your teeth for a custom-fitted mouth guard.
Considerations
Most athletes need to wear a mouth guard only on the upper teeth; however, some people should protect the lower teeth as well. If you wear braces or any fixed dental appliance on your lower teeth, your dentists might recommend a mouth guard for the lower teeth. You might be able to find an over-the-counter guard for the lower teeth at a sporting goods store, but it might not fully protect your teeth. A custom-made mouth guard is the best way to protect both your upper and lower teeth. If you have a protruding jaw, receding chin or cleft palate, you need a custom-fitted mouth guard.
Recommendations
No matter which type of mouth guard you select, proper fit is the number-one priority for safety. If the mouth guard does not fit properly, it may shift out of place, leaving your teeth and the soft tissues of the mouth vulnerable to injury. The mouth guard should feel comfortable in your mouth and stay in place as you move in your chosen sport. The mouth guard should fit over your teeth and gums. You should be able to talk and breathe easily with the mouth guard in place. The mouth guard should be thick enough that it does not easily tear or lose shape.
Care
Proper care for your mouth guard helps it last longer and better protect your teeth. An over-the-counter mouth guard will not last as long as a custom-fitted mouth guard: After a few weeks of use, it may lose its shape and begin to deteriorate. Throw out the mouth guard when you notice this type of wear. If you're unsure about the quality and fit of your mouth guard, make an appointment with your dentist to examine it before the sporting season. Clean your mouth guard in cool, soapy water regularly, and rinse it before and after every use. You can also brush it with toothpaste. Store your mouth guard in a vented container.
References
- "For the Dental Patient"; Protecting Your Teeth With Mouthguards; American Dental Association; December 2006
- ADA: American Dental Association -- Mouthguards
- "Journal of Athletic Training"; Commentary: Role of Properly Fitted Mouthguards in Prevention of Sport-Related Concussion; Jackson E. Winters, Sr; July - September 2001
- Sports Dentistry Online: Types of Athletic Mouthguards
