Since approximately 25% of all dental injuries are related to sport, the ADA recommends that all children, youth, and adults participating in sports wear a mouth guard.
Athletic Mouth Guards or Sports Guards better protect your mouth from injuries to teeth, cheeks, lips, and tongue from injuries that could occur during sports, including concussions, jaw injuries, broken teeth, and more.
Our custom athletic mouth guards will offer a more unique, comfortable, and custom fit to the individual as opposed to the store-bought mouth guards that are fitted at home.
What Is A Sports Mouthguard?
A mouthguard is a piece of molded plastic in the form of an arch that fits over the top teeth. A sports mouthguard protects the mouth & face in several ways. The guard shields the upper teeth from damage from impacts or blows to the face. Top & bottom teeth are prevented from impacting each other directly as a result of a collision or blow. It also protects the soft tissues of the mouth, especially the cheeks, from impacts with the teeth.
Reasons for custom athletic mouth guards
- Cuts the risk of concussions by 50%
- Sports-related injuries account for 3 times more facial/dental injuries than violence or traffic accidents
- Mouth guards are less expensive than dental repairs
- Help you avoid tooth displacement, cracks, and fractures
- Mouth guards stop jaw bone fractures
- Prevent permanent facial scarring
Facts about Athletic Mouth Guards
- Mouth guards are only needed for the top teeth
- You should replace every 6 months
- Mouth guards should be washed after every use
- Can be worn with or without braces
- Custom mouth guards will save you more money
Types of Mouthguards
Stock Athletic Mouthguard
Stock mouthguards are inexpensive and widely available at retail sporting goods stores. They provide a low level of smile protection and do not help prevent a concussion. Only properly fitted and retentive mouthguards help prevent concussion.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Available at any sporting goods store
Cons:
- Limited availability of sizes
- Fit is often not retentive
- Ill fitting mouthguard does not help prevent concussion
- Ill fit impacts speech and breathing while on the filed of play
Boil & Bite Athletic Mouthguard
Boil and bite mouthguards are the most popular of all athletic mouthguards worn by athletes. While their fit is more retentive than stock mouthguards, they are still rated a low level of smile protection. Pros and cons of boil and bite mouthguards are similar to those of stock athletic mouthguards.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Available at any sporting goods store
Cons:
- Limited availability of sizes
- Fit is often not retentive
- Ill fitting mouthguard does not help prevent concussion
- Ill fit impacts speech and breathing while on the filed of play
Custom Athletic Mouthguard
A custom athletic mouthguard fabricated by your dentist provides superior protection for your face, teeth, jaw, and gums. Your dentist fabricates your custom athletic mouthguard using an FDA approved material that helps prevent a concussion. While custom mouthguards cost a bit more than store bought, they are substantially less than $5000, the average cost to resolve a facial traumatic sport injury.
Pros:
- Maximum protection for teeth, tissues, and jaw
- Retentive fit. Meets “properly fitted” guideline
- Does not interfere with speech or breathing while on the field of play
- Last longer than store purchased mouthguards
Cons:
- Cost more than store bought mouthguards. A small price compared to $5000 for dental care resulting from a traumatic dental sport injury.
- Only available from your dentist.
For more information and to schedule an exam for a sportguard place call our office at 617-655-9410
