Mouth Guards

Anyone who participates in a sport that carries a significant risk of injury should wear a mouth protector. Sports like basketball, baseball, gymnastics, and volleyball all pose risks to your gum tissues, as well as your teeth. We usually think of football and hockey as the most dangerous to the teeth, but nearly half of sports-related mouth injuries occur in basketball and baseball.

A helmet 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 tissue in the oral cavity away from the teeth, preventing laceration and bruising of the lips and cheeks, especially for those who wear orthodontic appliances.

Mouth protectors, which typically cover the upper teeth, can cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth. If you wear braces or another fixed dental appliance on your lower jaw, a mouth protector is available for these teeth as well.

A properly fitted mouth protector may be especially important for people who wear braces or have fixed bridge work. A blow to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. A mouth protector also provides a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, limiting the risk of soft tissue injuries. Although mouth protectors typically only cover the upper teeth, your dentist or orthodontist may suggest that you use a mouth protector on the lower teeth if you have braces on these teeth too. If you have a retainer or other removable appliance, do not wear it during any contact sports.

Types of mouth guards

There are three types of mouth protectors:

  • Stock - Inexpensive and come pre-formed, ready to wear. Unfortunately, they often don't fit very well. They can be bulky and can make breathing and talking difficult.
  • Boil and bite - Can be bought at many sporting goods stores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. They should be softened in water, then inserted and allowed to adapt to the shape of your mouth. If you don't follow the directions carefully you can wind up with a poor-fitting mouth protector.
  • Custom-fitted - Made by your dentist for you personally. They are more expensive than the other versions, but because they are customized, they can offer a better fit than anything you can buy off the shelf.

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

What Patients Say About Engelbrecht Family Dental, PA

    Thanks so much for the great care you give me! I thought I'd be sore from the work you did on my new implant but within a mere few hours, I barely noticed it. I'm actually looking forward to the final process.

    Marcia C., Woodbury MN

    Thank you Dr. Chad and Carrie for being so kind and calm at my last appointment. As you are aware, I am very nervous to have dental work done. You are professional and kept me comfotable during a difficult procedure!

    Helga P, Oakdale, MN

    One of the things I hate most about job relocation is finding a new dentist. I have three expectations from a dentist. 1. Cleanliness (facility, staff and equipment) 2. Painless 3. A bill that is fair. Engelbrecht Family Dental delivered on all three points. Thank you!

    Bonnie Z., Woodbury MN

    I have been coming to see Dr. Chad and his staff for several years now. From day 1, I have always been impressed with how honest Dr. Chad was regarding what dental care I needed as well as how nice everyone has been to me. I appreciate all you do for me and my dental needs. I highly recommend Dr. Chad and his staff for your dental needs.

    Tami F., Woodbury, MN