Mouth Guards

Use custom-fitted mouth guards when you play sports

A mouth guard is a custom-fitted device that can significantly help reduce the risk of dental injuries. Sport, leisure and recreation activities are the most common cause of dental injuries.

Is it right for you?
Custom-fitted mouth guards are especially designed to fit your mouth. They provide the best protection due to their close fit, comfort and cushioning (shock absorption) effect.

What’s involved?
A custom-fitted mouth guard is made by a dentist using an impression taken of your teeth and a plaster model. Custom fitting allows the dentist to accurately assess your mouth and provide the best fit, size coverage and thickness in a mouth guard especially for you. The dentist can also make an assessment of any risk factors you might have and recommend the best type of mouth guard appropriate for your sport.

Why are custom-fitted mouth guards important?
Dentists can make custom-fitted mouth guards that offer far more protection and comfort than standard varieties. Given standard mouth guards don’t fit as accurately as custom-made mouth guards, they are often uncomfortable and can interfere with an individual’s breathing and speaking ability.

How do you correctly care for your mouth guard?

Our recommendations include:

Wash your mouth guard in soap and warm (not hot) water after each use. Allowing it to air-dry.

Disinfect the mouth guard from time to time with a mouthwash.

Keep the mouth guard well-ventilated in a plastic storage box when not in use.

Do not leave the mouth guard in direct sunlight, in a closed car or in the car’s glove box. Heat can damage it.

Ask your dentist to inspect your mouth guard at every dental check-up to ensure it is fitting correctly. Sometimes, a mouth guard needs to be replaced if major changes occur to the teeth, like restorations or adult teeth coming through.

Replace the mouth guard if it is damaged.

Replace a child’s mouth guard every 12 to 18 months, even if it appears to be in good condition. Growth and new teeth can alter the fit.

Replace an adult’s mouth guard after dental treatment or tooth loss. Otherwise it should last for many years.

What are general safety tips for mouth guards?
Ensure you wear the mouth guard at all times during games and training sessions. People undergoing dental treatment can have a custom-fitted mouth guard made by their dentist to fit comfortably and accurately over their braces.

See your dentist if the mouth guard starts to feel uncomfortable or doesn’t fit well.