Accidents are bound to happen and a blow to the face or a fall while playing sports such as football, hockey, basketball, baseball, or gymnastics can possibly result in chipped or broken teeth, nerve damage, and in severe cases, tooth loss. Because these sports carry a significant risk of dental injuries, mouth guards are required. Therefore, it’s important to understand the advantages of wearing mouth protectors and the different types available to ensure you find the one that is properly fit for you. The following is helpful information on the use of mouth protectors from the American Dental Association:

Advantages of Using a Mouth Protector:

• Helps cushion a blow to the face that might result in injury; and
• Protects not only the teeth, but the soft tissues of the tongue, lips and cheek lining.

• Stock
  • Inexpensive, come pre-formed, ready to wear; and
  • Some don’t fit very well, and can be bulky, making breathing difficult.
• Boil and Bite
  • Found at sporting good stores;
  • Better fit than stock;
  • Should be softened in water, then inserted and allowed to adapt to the shape of the mouth; and
  • Follow directions or you could wind up with a poor-fitting mouth protector.
• Custom-Fitted
  • Made by your dentist to fit you personally;
  • More expensive; and
  • Offer a better fit that one bought at a store.

Wearing a Mouth Guard With Braces:

• Very important to wear because without, a blow to the face could significantly damage fixed orthodontic work;
• Mouth guards provide a barrier between braces and your cheek or lips, limiting the risk of soft tissue injuries;
• Talk with your dentist or orthodontist about finding a mouth protector that will provide the best protection; and
• Possibly use two mouth protectors, one on lower and one on upper teeth, if you have braces on both.

Source: American Dental Association.