About this topic
Your teeth are important. If one was missing or broken, you would notice it when you smiled, talked, or tried to eat. Teeth can easily be injured or broken during sports and other activities. This is why it is necessary to protect your mouth when you play sports. Some sports require that you wear a mouth guard. For others, you may choose to wear one for your own protection. Mouth guards can help protect other parts of your mouth as well, like your cheeks, tongue, and lips. ‚
Your doctor or dentist may also order a mouth guard if you clench or grind your teeth. This is a condition called bruxism. It can wear down your teeth and make them sensitive. A mouth guard can help keep you from hurting your teeth more. Children often grind their teeth, but they will likely outgrow this problem. ‚
General
There are a few kinds of mouth guards. ‚
- Custom fitted ¢ ˆ ’ Your dentist will take a mold of your mouth and then make a mouth guard just for you. It will fit your mouth very well and may even feel tight.
- Boil and bite ¢ ˆ ’ You buy this type of mouth guard at the store. You soften the mouth guard by boiling it. Then you bite down on the mouth guard to allow it to shape to your mouth. These do not fit as well as the custom fitted mouth guard, but cost much less. This kind of mouth guard may rub against your gums in places and may need to be trimmed.
- Stock ¢ ˆ ’ This kind of mouth guard is already formed and ready for you to wear. It does not fit as well as the other kinds, but will still offer some protection.
Caring for your mouth guard: ‚
- Clean after every use. Use toothpaste and a toothbrush or soap and water
- Keep in a safe place
- Do not leave it out in hot temperatures
- Keep your mouth guard in a container when not in use.
- Keep your mouth guard in a safe place, out of reach of children and pets.
What will the results be?
A mouth guard may lower the chance that you will have broken teeth or an injury to your lip, cheeks, tongue, or gums. It may also protect your teeth if you clench your jaws or grind your teeth. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Your activity will not be limited. It is important to wear your mouth guard each time you are involved in sports or activities where you may hurt your mouth, teeth, or gums. A mouth guard for bruxism should be worn each time you sleep. ‚
What problems could happen?
Mouth guards may not fully protect you from an injury. A poorly-fitting mouth guard may rub on your gums and become painful. If your teeth and jaws are still growing, your mouth guard may not fit for very long. If you lose a tooth or have a lot of dental work, the mouth guard may not fit as well. ‚
Where can I learn more?
Academy of General Dentistry ‚
http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=M&iid=313&aid=1269 ‚
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/m/mouthguards ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/teeth/bruxism.html# ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2014-07-11 ‚
List_set bdysylist
- Dental
- Healthy Living
- Safety
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚