Custom mouth guards are required for participation in many sports to protect teeth against injury.


Many sports require athletes to use a mouth guard to protect their teeth while practicing and playing. Frequently used in contact sports, the mouth guard covers the gums and teeth to provide protection for lips, gums, teeth, and arches. A properly fitted mouth guard can reduce the severity of dental injuries.

Pre-formed, ready-to-wear mouth guards can be purchased inexpensively at many sporting goods stores, but they do not always fit well. They can be uncomfortable and can interfere with talking and even breathing.

Sporting goods stores also offer semi-custom mouth guards in which the plastic is heated and then the athlete bites on it while still warm to provide some level of custom fit.

Our office can make a custom mouth guard by taking an impression of your teeth and then creating a device fitted to your mouth for the highest level of both comfort and protection. A custom fitted mouthguard can be particularly important for athletes who wear braces.

Remember to bring your mouthguard to your dental appointments, so we can be sure it still fits you well.

We also recommend helmets for any potentially high impact sports, for example: biking, skiing, hockey, lacrosse, football, horseback riding, etc.