What is a mouth guard?
A mouth guard is a small protective device, made out of rubber, which fits over the front teeth and gums, shielding them from impact.
They are also commonly called “gum shields”.
You will have likely seen them worn by sports people if you watch rugby, boxing or hockey.
The mouth guards that you wear for protection in sport differs to the sleeping appliances that are worn to prevent tooth-grinding (bruxism). Whereas night-time appliances are made out of acrylic, mouth guards are made out of a softer rubber material.
There are a wide range of mouth guards on offer, many of which you can custom fit to your mouth at home.
These mouth guards are not as precisely fitted as one’s made by a dentist. They are also made with cheaper and less durable materials.
They therefore do not offer the same level of protection as dentist made mouth guards.
Mouth guards should be cleaned with a toothbrush after every use in order to maintain good oral hygiene.
Who should be wearing a mouth guard?
- Mouth guards should be worn by anyone who is participating in a sport where there is a chance they may receive trauma to the face.
- This trauma can include being hit by another person, a piece of hard equipment, or by a hard ball.
- This means that anyone who plays full contact rugby, hockey, or any combat sports (boxing, mixed martial arts etc) should be wearing a mouth guard.
- For all sports listed above, mouth guards are compulsory to even be allowed to play.
- Additionally, some people who play football and cricket choose to wear a mouth guard to mitigate any risk of losing teeth in the field of play.
What happens when I get a mouth guard made at 92 Dental?
- Having a mouth guard made usually involves one 10 minute trip to the dentist
- This appointment will see you have an impression made for your mouth guard.
- This impression will be sent to a dental technician who will make the mouth guard to fit perfectly around your teeth.
- During the appointment you can also select the colour(s) that you want the mouth guard to be, as well as any name or initials you may want on it.
- Once made the mouth guard will be sent to you by post.
- If you have any discomfort wearing the mouth guard, come see one of our dentists who can easily adjust it for you.
