This site was created by a dentist in order to provide comprehensive information about many different kinds of mouth guards. There is a mouth guard for every need, budget, and comfort level. Some mouth guards make it easier to breathe than others. Some provide better retention, support, and protection. You will find that there are different thicknesses and different materials that are being used. We can help you make sense of all of this information so that you can make the right choice when you purchase your next mouth guard.
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The ideal mouth guard should provide the following: 1) It allows speaking and does not hinder breathing, 2) It stays in place during action, playing sports, or at night time (to prevent grinding), 3) it provides exceptional comfort and fit, 4) It is easy to keep clean, and 5) It is very durable, resilient, tear-resistant, odorless, and tastless.
In general, a mouth guard is designed to protect the upper teeth and gums, as well as the underlying bone. The use of a mouth guard can prevent chipping and breaking teeth, root or bone damage, and other serious injuries. These include jaw fracture, cerebral hemorrhage, concussions, and neck injuries. Certain instances will require more protection, such as having braces or a recent injury to the jaw or teeth. In these cases you may want to have both the upper and lower teeth protected. There are a number of mouth guards available that can accomplish this.
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Many people think that the use of a mouth guard should be limited to football players, hockey players, or martial arts. This is a huge misconception. The American Dental Association recommends the use of a mouth guard for 29 different sports/activities. Basically, whenever there is a chance of contact with other players or hard surfaces, a mouth guard should be worn. Common sense is your best guide to who should be wearing a mouth guard.
There are three basic types of mouth guards. 1) The Stock Mouth Guard, which comes preformed and ready to wear. These are the least expensive and poorest fitting mouth guards available. 2) The Boil and Bite, or Heat and Form Mouth Guard is a better alternative to the stock guards because it does mold to your individual mouth. And 3) The Custom Mouth Guard. This is generally the best fitting and most protective mouth guard available. All other types of mouth guards, such as night mouth guards, mouth guards for braces, and Protech Dent mouth guards fit into one of these 3 categories.