Types of Mouth Guards to Protect Your Teeth

Devices designed to protect your teeth from injuries when involved in contact sports or from grinding and clenching your teeth are known as mouth guards. These devices are also helpful in reducing snoring and provide relief from obstructive sleep apnea.

Mouthguards are considered a requirement for sportspersons and children that are regularly running around or involved in sporting activities with the potential to cause injuries to their dental cavity. Fortunately, three varieties of mouthguards are available and can be chosen by sports persons and parents of children to protect the teeth of their wards.

Parents selecting mouth guards for their children are recommended to research carefully before spending money on a dental guard for their children. They may be tempted to purchase a mouthguard from the grocery or drugstore but it is suggested not to do so because the quality of the device may not be up to the mark. The mouthguard purchased may not even fit well and provide the kind of protection needed by their child.

The most common mouthguard being sold in the market is the stock mouthguard, which is available in three sizes. This is a variety that follows the one size fits all theory and is the most affordable. These mouth guards are not comfortable and do not provide a proper fit. Using the mouthguard can also cause difficulties when speaking.

Another variety also sold by drugstores is the boil and bite mouthguard. These are slightly expensive but still within the affordable category. The boil and bite mouthguard is only available in one size that can be customized to fit the teeth. The user must boil the mouthguard until it softens before placing it on the front teeth and biting down. Instructions provided by the manufacturer must be followed stringently if users desire the best fit.

Perhaps the best option for parents to provide a safe mouthguard to their wards would be to approach Memorial Children’s Dentistry for a device custom-made by the dentist. The dentist at this facility and will take a mold of the child’s teeth to create a mouthguard specifically designed for the child’s mouth. A custom-made mouthguard can provide a better fit than either stock or boil and bite mouthguard. They are also more comfortable and difficult to accidentally dislodge when sleeping. People with problems like bruxism or sleep apnea are suggested to use a custom-made mouthguard from the dentist as it is the best option. These are certainly more expensive than the other two varieties, but the investment will be worth as injuries can cost a lot more in unwanted dental work.