Who uses a Mouthguard and Why They Need It

Mouth guards are coverings worn over teeth, and often used to protect teeth from injury from teeth grinding and during sports.

There are three types of mouth guards:

Mouth guards protect the health of your teeth and gums by preventing damage that can be caused by teeth grinding (known as bruxism) and from injuries that can occur while engaging in certain sports such as football or hockey. Mouth guards are inexpensive and easy-to-use, and no one who needs to use one should even consider going without.

While mouth guards are available at most sporting good stores and department stores, these models have serious drawbacks. Little can be done to adjust the way these over-the-counter models fit your mouth, plus which they are frequently somewhat bulky, make breathing and talking difficult and may provide little or no protection, which is why dentists don't  recommend using them.

Your dentist can make a custom-fitted mouth protectors that will work perfectly in your mouth, protecting your teeth without the adverse effects described above. To do this, your dentist will first make an impression of your teeth that a laboratory will  use for a mold. Dental mouthguards are more expensive due to the fact that they use higher quality material and because of the extra time and work involved. However, a custom-made mouth guard will always provide the most comfort and best fit and protection.

Mouth guards usually cover the upper teeth only, but in some instances (such as if you wear braces or another fixed dental appliance on your lower jaw), your dentist will make a mouth guard for the lower teeth as well. Your dentist can suggest the best mouth guard for you. An effective mouth guard should be comfortable, resist tears, be durable and easy to clean, and should not restrict your breathing or speech.