Sports Guards Custom Versus Prefabricated

Mouth guards should be worn during all contacts sports. They help limit the risk of injury to the soft tissues of the mouth, tongue, and lips when worn. as well as protecting the teeth and jaw from hitting the base of the skull when the impact occurs.

Types of mouths guards

1. Boil and bite mouth guards

• Purchases at a sporting store or pharmacy and are molded at home. These offer little more protection than wearing nothing at all.

• Sizes are limited and don’t always cover all of the teeth.

2. premade ready to wear mouth guards

• Usually purchased at sporting stores or pharmacy. They are premade mouth guards typically one size fits all.

• Due to the loose fit, their guards can become dislodged under contact. They provide the least amount of protection.

3. Custom Mouth Guards

• Made in a dental office by a dental professional

• Customized mold to patient-specific mouth.

• Has sufficient amount of thickness in critical areas

• Remain securely in place when hit.

Care of mouth guards

They should be cleaned before and after use using warm water toothpaste and a toothbrush specifically for cleaning the mouth guard. Non-alcohol mouthwash, soap, or warm water and vinegar.
Be sure to keep in a case in a safe place when not using and away from any animals.