Ben and Gary Show - Episode 47

Mouth Guards

Why do you need them? 

Due to sports injuries and accidents, we see patients with fractured, dislodged, and knocked out teeth. Most of these could have been prevented with mouth guards.

Most of us know boxers, hockey and football players use them. But anytime you are moving fast, there is the possibility of falls that result in damage to your teeth. Unfortunately, protective mouth guards are underutilized.

Soccer, softball, lacrosse, and soccer players should use them. But skateboarding, ice skating, even bike, and scooter riding can result in falls that damage teeth.

 What options do you have?

OK. So you need a mouth guard. What are your choices? The boil and bite mouth guards sold over the counter are one choice.

To use one, you heat it and create a custom fit by biting into the softened guard. These can be bulky and uncomfortable. They can also make it more difficult to breathe. However, they are easily available and less expensive than other options.

The best choice is a guard made by your dentist. These can be made in different thicknesses according to the risk of your sport.

They also can be made in custom colors such as your team colors. They are more comfortable and breathing may be easier than with boil and bite guards.

Custom guards cost more. Compared to the cost of repairing damaged teeth, they are a good investment.