Mouth guards are custom-made dental appliances designed to protect the teeth and mouth from injury. They are commonly worn during sports or recreational activities to safeguard the teeth, lips, tongue, and jaw from impact.

Unlike dental splints, which are used to treat conditions such as bruxism (teeth grinding), snoring, or sleep apnea, mouth guards are focused primarily on injury prevention—especially for patients with braces or dental restorations.

An effective mouth guard should be comfortable, durable, and easy to clean, while allowing the wearer to breathe and speak normally. Custom-fitted mouth guards made by a dentist provide the best protection and comfort compared to store-bought options.

Reasons for Mouth Guards

Anyone—child or adult—who participates in contact sports such as football, hockey, boxing, or lacrosse, or in recreational activities where the mouth may be at risk, like bicycling, skateboarding, or rollerblading, should wear a mouth guard.

The primary purpose of a mouth guard is to protect the teeth, gums, tongue, jaw, and surrounding nerves from injury. Without one, athletes are at a much higher risk of:

• Chipping, cracking, or knocking out a tooth
• Injuring the lips, cheeks, or tongue
• Fracturing or dislocating the jaw

Mouth guards are especially important for individuals with braces, bridges, or other dental appliances. They help prevent damage to orthodontic work that could otherwise lead to painful injuries, costly repairs, and setbacks in treatment progress.

However, patients who wear removable orthodontic retainers or headgear should take them out before participating in sports to avoid injury or equipment damage.

Benefits of Custom-Made Mouth Guards

While store-bought mouth guards are readily available, they cannot match the protection and comfort provided by a custom-made mouth guard designed by a dentist. Custom mouth guards are created in a dental office or professional laboratory to fit each patient’s unique bite and oral anatomy precisely.

Although they are more expensive than generic versions, custom mouth guards offer significant advantages that make them well worth the investment:

• Superior fit and comfort, reducing irritation and the need for adjustment
• Better protection against damage to teeth, gums, braces, or dental work
• Unrestricted breathing and speaking, allowing for full athletic performance
• Longer durability compared to over-the-counter guards

Because they are crafted specifically for the individual, custom mouth guards stay securely in place and provide optimal protection during even the most intense physical activities.

Construction of Mouth Guards

The creation of a custom mouth guard involves several precise steps to ensure a perfect fit and maximum protection.

First, the dentist takes an accurate impression of the patient’s teeth using a soft, malleable material. This impression captures every contour of the bite and is then used to mold the mouth guard from durable, high-quality materials that provide both comfort and strength.

In most cases, mouth guards are designed to cover only the upper teeth, since they absorb the majority of impact during contact. However, for patients who wear braces or dental appliances on the lower teeth, the dentist may also create a lower mouth guard to ensure complete protection.

Caring for Mouth Guards

Like all dental equipment, mouth guards require proper care to maintain their effectiveness and longevity. Following a few simple steps will help ensure your guard remains clean, safe, and durable:

• Rinse after each use: Rinse your mouth guard with cold water or mouthwash immediately after removal.
• Brush gently: Clean it with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste before and after each use.
• Deep clean regularly: Occasionally wash the guard in cool, soapy water, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
• Store properly: Keep your mouth guard in a ventilated container with air holes to allow circulation and prevent bacteria buildup.
• Avoid heat: Do not expose it to hot water, sunlight, or heat sources, which can warp the material.
• Inspect frequently: Check for signs of wear, cracks, or damage. Bring it to regular dental visits so your dentist can evaluate whether replacement is necessary.

With consistent cleaning and proper storage, a custom mouth guard can provide years of reliable protection for your teeth and dental appliances.

Additional Resources

MedlinePlus
National Institutes of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
WebMD