A mouth guard is a device worn in the mouth to protect the teeth, gums, and other oral structures from injury. It is commonly used in contact sports such as football, hockey, basketball, and boxing, but can also be used to protect the teeth from grinding and clenching at night. Mouth guards can be custom-fitted by a dentist, or purchased pre-made from a sporting goods store.
There are three types of mouth guards:
Stock mouth guards – inexpensive and come pre-formed, but offer the least amount of protection and are the least comfortable to wear.
Boil-and-bite mouth guards – more customizable than stock mouth guards, as they can be molded to fit the individual’s mouth after being softened in boiling water.
Custom-fitted mouth guards – made by a dentist to fit an individual’s mouth precisely and provide the highest level of protection and comfort.
It’s important to choose a mouth guard that fits properly and allows you to breathe and talk comfortably. Wearing a mouth guard can help prevent injuries to the mouth and teeth, so it’s a good idea to consider using one if you participate in any sport or physical activity that poses a risk of oral injury.