Everything You Need to Know About Mouth Guards: Types, Uses & Care

Mouth guards are a must-have, with the market projected to grow to $6.7 billion by 2032. Whether you need protection from grinding or a safeguard, knowing your options is vital. You can choose from a variety of grind teeth mouth guard options, including ones designed to address bruxism or those that focus on protecting your front teeth.

What Are Mouth Guards and Why Do You Need One?

A mouth guard is a protective device. It creates a barrier to shield them from different kinds of dental injuries and damage. These devices protect athletes during contact sports and also prevent damage to teeth from grinding at night.

Recent studies show that bruxism impacts over a fifth of the global population. It's not just when we're asleep; awake bruxism also affects many people, which reinforces the need for protective oral appliances.

Types of Mouth Guards: Finding Your Perfect Fit

Stock Mouth Guards

Stock mouth guards come in one size, and you can find them at most sports stores. They're easy to get, but they don't offer much customization. As a result, they might not give your front teeth the protection they need.

Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards

These devices become flexible when heated in boiling water. Athletes like them, and boil-and-bite guards offer better protection. They work well for protecting front teeth during casual sports games.

Custom-Fitted Mouth Guards

At dental practices like Southwest Family Dentistry, they create mouth guards that fit your teeth perfectly. These feel great and last a long time. If you grind your teeth a lot due to severe bruxism, a custom-made guard is definitely the way to go.

Primary Uses for Mouth Guards

Sports Protection

In 2024, World Rugby started making players wear "smart" mouthguards, proving just how far safety tech has come in pro sports. These devices are especially important for protecting front teeth.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Prevention

Millions of Americans deal with sleep bruxism. It's marked by regular episodes of grinding your teeth while you're asleep. A grind teeth mouth guard helps protect your teeth by preventing enamel wear and other types of dental damage that come from involuntary teeth grinding.

TMJ Disorder Management

Temporomandibular joint issues can get some relief from specialized mouth guards that help correct jaw alignment. These devices can help with TMJ relief and also work as mouth guards.

Material Science and Technology Advancements

Modern mouth guards use advanced materials to boost protection and comfort. Key materials used today are EVA copolymer, acrylic resin, and polyurethane. EVA is the top pick among these options.

Southwest Family Dentistry keeps up with the latest tech to make sure patients get mouth guards made from the best FDA-approved materials available.

For more details on what to expect, check out the article on what every new patient should expect at Littleton Family Dental.

Proper Care and Maintenance

Daily Cleaning Routine

Rinse your mouth guard with cold water before and after using it. Use a soft toothbrush and some mild soap or a mouth guard cleaner. This will help stop bacteria from building up.

Storage Best Practices

Keep your mouth guard in a well-ventilated case to prevent moisture buildup. Don't leave it in a hot car or directly in the sun, as the heat can warp the material.

Regular Inspections

Check your mouth guard often for signs of wear or damage. When you notice it's getting old, replace it right away. Damaged mouth guards don't protect your mouth like they should.

When to Replace Your Mouth Guard

Most mouth guards need to be replaced every 6-12 months, depending on how often you wear them. If you're using a night guard to stop grinding your teeth, you may need to replace it more often.

Time to replace your mouth guard? Look for signs like wear patterns, a loose fit, or bad odors. Southwest Family Dentistry suggests bringing it with you to visits so a pro can take a closer look.

Professional vs. Over-the-Counter Options

Store-bought mouth guards are convenient, but custom-made ones offer better protection. Custom mouthguards are the top choice for serious athletes and people with chronic teeth grinding.

Dental practices can help you figure out what you need, whether it's a custom mouth guard or one that helps you do your best in sports.

Cost Considerations and Insurance Coverage

Custom mouth guards usually cost between $300 and $600, while store-bought options run from $20 to $100. A lot of dental insurance plans cover custom mouth guards for conditions like bruxism. The cost benefits of preventing dental damage can pay off. That's why Southwest Family Dentistry helps patients figure out their insurance coverage and payment options.

Key Takeaway

Knowing your front teeth mouth guard​ options helps you protect your teeth. If you grind your teeth at night or need protection during sports, choosing the right one can make a big difference.

The mouth guard market is expected to grow with a 6.5% CAGR by 2032. That growth is driving innovations in materials and design, which means better protection options. Talk to a dental pro to find the best mouth guard for you.