Sports Mouth Guards

Protecting Your Oral Health

Without proper mouth protection, sports injuries to the jaw and mouth can result in painful issues and costly dental restorations. Custom-fitted sports mouth guards made by a dentist help protect your mouth from impact and keep your smile intact.

Mouth Guards for Sports

For both amateur and professional athletes, mouth guards are an important piece of protective equipment. They are typically made from thin, clear plastic that fits over the teeth. Most mouth guards are designed to cover the upper teeth only, although a lower guard may be needed for patients with orthodontic appliances or restorations.

Your dentist may recommend wearing a mouth guard during high-impact or competitive sports such as hockey, basketball, gymnastics, football, baseball, or mountain biking.

In addition to protecting teeth from impact, mouth guards can also help prevent teeth grinding and clenching during physical activity. This can reduce jaw pain and may help prevent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Mouth guards may also help reduce the risk of concussion by absorbing impact to the lower jaw.

Types of Mouth Guards

There are several types of mouth guards available. It is important to choose one that offers the right balance of comfort, fit, and protection so you can focus on your sport without distraction.

Professional Dentist-Made Mouth Guards

Dentist-made mouth guards are custom fabricated using an impression of your teeth for a precise and comfortable fit. This process typically requires two appointments: one to take impressions and one for fitting and adjustment.

These mouth guards can be customized in colour and usually come with a protective case for storage.

Over-the-Counter Mouth Guards

Over-the-counter mouth guards are available in pharmacies and online. These “boil and bite” guards are softened in hot water and then shaped to the teeth.

They are more affordable but generally less durable and require more frequent replacement compared to professional custom-made options.

Stock Mouth Guards

Stock mouth guards are pre-formed and ready to wear without customization. While they are inexpensive, they often provide a poor fit, which can make breathing and speaking more difficult during sports.

Other Dental Guards & Devices

Dentists may also provide other oral appliances, such as night guards for teeth grinding (bruxism) or devices designed to help with snoring and sleep apnea.