An Effective Mouth Guard should:

• Be comfortable

• Not restrict your breathing or speech

• Provide the correct amount of coverage

• Fit securely in your mouth

• Resist tears

• Be durable

• Be easy to clean

 

Because no two mouths are the same the only way to effectively achieve these results is to have a mouth guard that is designed to uniquely match your set of teeth. 

 

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, all of which can be costly to repair. 

 

How are they Worn?

Generally, mouth guards cover your upper teeth only, but in some instances (e.g. if you wear braces or another fixed dental appliance on your lower jaw), they are also used to cover the lower teeth. 

 

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 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 for proper fit and harmful wear.