A mouth guard is a covering that is meant to be worn over the teeth, generally used to protect them from injury and grinding when you play sports. Three types of mouth guards are available:

STOCK MOUTH GUARDS

Pre-formed and ready for usage immediately, these mouth guards are rather inexpensive and sold in most sporting goods stores and department stores. Our dentists do not recommend their use, as they offer very little protection, make breathing and talking an issue because of their bulkiness, and are seemingly incapable of being adjusted.

BOIL AND BITE MOUTH GUARDS

Also available in many sporting goods stores, this variation of the mouth protector could offer a superior fit to that of the stock mouth guard. You put this mouth guard, which is made of thermoplastic material, into hot water for a softening effect, placing it in the mouth afterwards. Then, you shape the mouth guard around your teeth with finger and tongue pressure.



CUSTOM-FITTED MOUTH GUARDS

These are individually designed and created within a dental practice or a professional laboratory according to instructions provided by one of our dentists. An impression of your teeth will first be made, with a mouth guard molded over the model using a unique material. Although a customized mouth guard is more expensive because of the special material and additional time needed, it supplies the most protection and best comfort.

WHAT SPORTS REQUIRE ATHLETES TO WEAR MOUTH GUARDS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA?

Contact sports demand that all athletes constantly wear a mouth guard and this includes the following:

• Hockey
• Boxing
• Football
• Soccer
• Basketball
• Lacrosse
• Rugby

A WHAT AGE OR SPORTS LEVEL SHOULD I ACQUIRE A MOUTH GUARD?

Once you begin to play sports in a competitive capacity, even in a friendly house league, you should secure a mouth guard as quickly as possible. Not only are they hugely helpful in contact sports, but they are also an asset during non-contact sports, like gymnastics, and recreational activities, such as skateboarding. In any situation that could pose a risk of injury to your mouth, you should be wearing a custom mouth guard.

WHY DO ATHLETES HAVE TO WEAR MOUTH GUARDS?

Accidents can occur throughout any physical, contact sport, especially when it is played at an elite level. Customized mouth guards limit the potential risk of mouth-related injuries to your lips, tongue, and soft tissues within the mouth. Also, a mouth guard effectively prevents chipped or broken teeth, tooth loss, and nerve damage to a tooth.

CAN I USE A MOUTH GUARD IF I WEAR BRACES?

While mouth guards typically work to only cover your upper teeth, there are cases in which one of our dentists can make one for the lower mouth too. Dental patients with braces are one such example, as an injury to the face could directly impact braces or other fixed appliances. We can determine what specific mouth guard will best serve you. Be certain that you do not wear any orthodontic retainers or other removable appliance when you participate in contact sports or recreational activities that could jeopardize your oral health.

HOW CAN I CARE FOR MY MOUTH GUARD?

There a few basic steps that will keep your custom mouth guard in ideal condition:

• Before and after any usage, rinse your mouth guard with cold water or with a mouth rinse. You can also opt to clean it with mild soap and a toothbrush.
• Using cool water and plenty of soap, clean and rinse the mouth guard properly.
• For storage purposes, put the mouth guard in a firm, perforated container, which will boost air circulation and work to prevent damage. An acrylic mouth guard should be kept in fresh clean water.
• Keep the mouth guard away from high temperatures (direct sunlight, hot surfaces, heated water etc.) because exposure to excess heat can deform its shape.
• From time to time, inspect the mouth guard for any general wear. Replace it if you notice holes or tears, as well as if the fit becomes loose or uncomfortable.
• During a scheduled dental checkup, ask one of our dentists to examine the mouth guard for any defects.

WHAT DIFFERENTIATES A CUSTOM MOUTH GUARD FROM A STORE-BOUGHT ALTERNATIVE?

Again, a customized mouth guard developed by one of our dentists in the office will provide substantially more comfort and protection. Customized mouth guards are also longer lasting than the alternatives found in stores. Store-bought mouth guards simply do not assure you of the same guarantees, so take extra caution and have your mouth guard customized at Elements Dental.

DOES A CUSTOM MOUTH GUARD REALLY OFFER MORE PROTECTION?

Yes, and that is due to the details involved in the customization process, from the impression of your teeth that is designed by our dentists, to the mouth guard being molded over the model. Ultimately, you want a mouth guard that is comfortable, durable, protective, straightforward to clean, and capable of working without hindering your breathing or speech.

Sports equipment is intended to protect an athlete's body and a mouth guard should be viewed by dental patients in a similar fashion. It's a necessary dental device that will protect your teeth from any devastating effects experienced in a contact sport or recreational activity. Contact our dental group at Elements Dental, which is located in Victoria, British Columbia, and see how a customized mouth guard can assist you.