The Purpose
A mouth guard, also called a sports guard, is a protective covering around your teeth and gums to prevents clenching, grinding or sports injuries. Every athlete should have one! The thickness of a mouth guard depends on the sport and age of the player.
Different Types of Sports Guards
There are three options for sports guards: a prefabricated mouth guard, a boil-and-fit mouth guard or a custom mouth guard. Prefabricated guards and boil-and-fit guards can be purchased at the grocery store and range from $10.00-$30.00. These are a wonderful and inexpensive option in a pinch!
Good news! We make FREE custom fit mouth guards for all of our existing patients. A skilled lab technician uses your dental models to fabricate the guard, awarding them as the most comfortable choice because they are less bulky, making it easier to talk and breathe.
If you are in need of a sports guard, please call 614- 882-2249 to schedule an appointment to take impressions and within a couple weeks your mouth guard will be ready for action!
How to Keep Your Sports Guard Clean
After you wear your sports guard, it's important to rinse it with warm water to remove any plaque or debris. Use a toothbrush with a little vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to gently scrub and disinfect your sports guard.
To prevent bacterial growth, let your sports guard completely dry before placing it back in the case (this should take about 20-30 minutes). Keep your mouth guard enclosed on a dresser rather than in the bathroom because the steam from the shower can warp the guard over time. Also, we all love our furry friends, but dogs especially enjoy claiming sports guards as their new chew toy. Just be careful to keep it out of your pet's reach!
If you have any additional questions or concerns please don't hesitate to call 614-882-2249.