What is a mouth guard?
Why should I wear a mouth guard?

To protect your mouth from injuries. The dental profession unanimously supports the use of mouth guards in a variety of sports activities. More than 200,000 injuries to the mouth and jaw occur each year.

Do mouth guards prevent injuries?

A mouth guard can prevent serious injuries such as concussions, cerebral hemorrhages, incidents of unconsciousness, jaw fractures and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw gets jammed into the upper jaw. Mouth guards are effective in moving soft issue in the oral cavity away from the teeth, preventing laceration and bruising of the lips and cheeks, especially for those who wear orthodontic appliances.

In what sports should I wear a mouth guard?

Anytime there is a strong chance for contact with other participants or hard surfaces, it is advisable to wear a mouth guard. Players who participate in basketball, soft ball, football, wrestling, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, in-line skating, martial arts as well as recreational sports such as skateboarding, and bicycling should wear mouth guards while competing.

Why don't kids wear mouth guards?

Parents are sometimes uninformed about the level of contact and potential for serious dental injuries involved with sports in which the child participates. Some, though not all schools, reinforce the health advantage of mouth guards for their contact sports. Cost may be another consideration, although mouth guards come in a variety of price ranges.

What are the different types of mouth guards?

Stock mouth guard: The lowest cost option is a stock item, which offers the least protection because the fit adjustment is limited. It may interfere with speech and breathing because this mouth guard requires that the jaw be closed to hold it in place. A stock mouth guard is not considered acceptable as an facial protective device.

Mouth-formed protectors: These mouth guards come as a shell-liner and "boil-and-bite" product. The shell is lined with acrylic or rubber. When placed in an athlete's mouth, the protector's lining material molds to the teeth and is allowed to set.

Custom-made mouth protectors: The best choice is a mouth guard custom-made by your dentist. It offers the best protection, fit and comfort level because it is made from a cast to fit your teeth.


How should I care for a mouth guard?
 

Clean your mouth guard by washing it with soap and warm (not hot) water.     Before storing, soak your mouth guard in mouthwash.     Keep your mouth guard in a well-ventilated plastic storage box when not in use.       Make sure the box has several holes so the mouth-guard will dry.     Heat is bad for mouth-guards, so don't leave it in direct sunlight or in a closed       automobile.     Don't bend your mouth-guard when storing.     Don't handle or wear some-one else's mouth guard.     Call your dentist who made the mouth guard if there are any problems.

Sources:
Academy of General Dentistry