Mouthguards

Who might need a mouthguard?

Children or adults might need a mouthguard. Your healthcare provider may recommend a mouthguard if you or your child:

• Grinds teeth (bruxism).
• Plays a contact sport like basketball, football, lacrosse, hockey or soccer that increases the risk of a hit to the face.
• Takes part in noncontact sports or activities with a high fall risk, like ice skating, gymnastics or biking.

What are the types of mouthguards?

There are two main categories of mouthguards: those that are made to protect teeth from trauma from sports or other athletic activities and guards that are made for patients with bruxism or teeth grinding. These types of appliances serve different purposes and will look and feel different. There are also different ways patients get mouthguard.

The types of mouthguards include:

• Custom-fitted: Your dentist uses a mold (impression) of your teeth to custom-make a mouthguard that comfortably fits your teeth and mouth. Custom-fitted mouth protectors cost more, but they provide the best fit and protection. A custom mouthguard will be made specifically for your needs, whether it be for protection from trauma during athletic competition or for use at night if you grind your teeth. A custom guard fitted by your dentist is the highest quality and does the best job at protecting your teeth and mouth.
• Boil-and-bite: These mouth protectors are a thermoplastic material that you can shape at home to fit your teeth. You soften the mouthguard by placing it in hot (not boiling) water. You then put the softened mouthguard into your mouth and use your fingers to press it onto the molars and front teeth. When the mouthguard feels like it’s in the right position, you bite down for about 20 seconds. Then you remove the device and run it under cool water. You can repeat these steps to reshape the mouthguard for the best fit.
• Other adjustable over-the-counter mouthguards: Adjustable night guards often include sliding pieces that rest between your teeth while you sleep.
• Stock: These one-size-fits-all mouthguards come preformed and ready to wear. Because they aren’t made specifically for your teeth, they rarely fit well. Their bulkiness and poor fit can make breathing difficult. Stock mouthguards offer the least protection of all mouthguard types.

What are the benefits of wearing a mouthguard?

Repairing or replacing missing teeth can be costly and painful. Wearing a mouthguard during athletic activities can help you avoid:

• Chipped or lost teeth.
• Nerve damage to a tooth.
• Soft-tissue damage to lips, gums, tongue and inside cheeks.