Mouth Guards

A mouthguard, custom-fitted by your dentist, can decrease the risk of dental injuries. Sport, leisure and recreation activities are the most common reason of dental injuries. Dental injuries can be sore, disfiguring and expensive to treat. Dental injuries may result in time off work or school to recover, and lengthy dental treatment. A mouthguard, custom-fitted by your dentist and worn each time you play or train will protect against dental injuries.

Common dental injuries

Common dental injuries incurred during sport or leisure activities include:

• Cut lips
• Cut gums
• Cut cheeks
• Cuts to the tongue or face
• Chipped teeth
• Broken teeth
• Knocked out teeth
• Broken jaw.

Types of Mouth Guards

The three basic types of mouth guard include:

• Custom-fitted - considered to provide the best protection for the teeth, lips and jaw. Custom-fitted mouthguards are made by a dentist or a dental technician to fit the individual's mouth. They provide the best protection due to their close fit, comfort and cushioning (shock absorption) effect. They are the most expensive option. However, the cost of an injury to the teeth or jaw will be a lot more expensive. Dentists recommend custom-fitted mouthguards.
• Boil-and-Bite - once the lining is softened in boiling water, the person bites on the mouthguard to help it take the shape of their mouth. These mouthguards may not conform to the person's bite and can be uncomfortable to wear. A 'boil-and-bite' mouthguard should be replaced each season.
• Stock - a ready-to-wear mouthguard that comes pre-formed. While these are the least expensive mouthguard, they also offer the least amount of protection. They tend to be uncomfortable and fit poorly.