Mouth Guards
What is a mouth guard?
A mouth guard is a protective device that fits inside the mouth to
protect the teeth. The most common type of mouth guard fits around
the top teeth. The bottom teeth are protected when the mouth guard
overlaps them. Some mouth guards fit both top and bottom teeth.
Mouth guards are available in sporting good stores and come in
several sizes. Many mouth guards can be custom-fitted by boiling
them and biting into the mouth guard or by pouring a gel into the
mouth guard that solidifies when you bite into it. A mouth guard
may also be custom-made by your dentist.
Why wear a mouth guard?
Your teeth are important. Mouth guards should always be worn in
contact sports such as football, lacrosse, hockey, and rugby. It
is recommended that they be worn in other sports such as
basketball. A mouth guard not only protects your teeth but acts as
a shock absorber during head contact. Mouth guards may lower your
risk of getting a concussion.
Written by Pierre Rouzier, MD, for RelayHealth.
Published by
RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2007-07-30
Last reviewed: 2007-07-25
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
This
information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers
but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical
treatment. You should speak to your physician or make
an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about
this information or your medical condition.