Protective Mouth Guards

Anyone who plays contact sports, such as hockey, basketball, football, boxing or soccer, should wear a protective mouth guard. If your child is joining a team at school or in an after-school league, you should make it a priority to bring him or her into our office as soon as possible for a consultation and fitting

You can find stock mouth guards at sporting goods stores, but they will not feel as good nor offer the same protection as those that are custom fitted in the dental office.

Sporting goods stores also often carry “boil and bite” mouth protectors, which are made from thermoplastic materials that you soften up at home. This type of mouth protector is better than a stock mouth guard, but it is not nearly as good as one customized for your particular mouth by a professionally trained dentist.

Customized Protective Mouth Guards

When you arrive at our office, the dentist will make an impression of your teeth. The mouth guard is formed by placing its malleable material over the model of your teeth. The customized fit will give you a much more comfortable experience than what you would get from stock or boil and bite mouth protectors. More importantly, though, the customized protector provides you superior protection, which is important in the rough-and-tumble world of student sports.

Taking Care of Your Mouth Guard

Always rinse off your mouth guard with mouth rinse or plain cold water before you use it and after. You can also clean your mouth guard with regular toothpaste and a toothbrush.

Periodically use cold, soapy water to clean your mouth guard, and then rinse it thoroughly.

Keep your mouth guard away from high heat, such as direct sunlight, hot water and hot surfaces to prevent it from losing its shape.

Remember to take your mouth guard with you every time you come in for an appointment to see the dentist so he can examine it and make sure it is still working properly.