Choosing a Mouth Guard
There are three main types of mouth guards from which to choose:
Stock
These mouth guards can be found at almost any sporting goods store and are inexpensive. They are pre-formed and are ready to wear right out of the package. Because they are generically formed, however, they may not fit your teeth and mouth very well. These mouth guards can be bulky which can make it hard to breathe and talk while wearing them.
Boil and Bite
These mouth guards can also be found at most sporting goods stores and are inexpensive. These often fit much better than the Stock mouth guards because they can be formed to suit your mouth. The mouth guard is boiled in hot water to soften the plastic, and then it is inserted into your mouth. As the plastic cools, it shapes to fit around your teeth. However, you may still end up with a bulky mouthpiece, and getting the boil and bite method just right can be tricky.
Custom-fit
You can get a mouth guard made specifically for your teeth from your dentist. The dentist will take a mold of your mouth and send it off to have a mouth guard made just for you. This requires visits to your dentist, and is also the most expensive way to get a mouth guard. This mouth piece will fit you the best, however, which can lead to better comfort and more routine use.
Any mouth guard is better than no mouth guard, but it is important to find one that you will use regularly and that does not inhibit your breathing during activity. It should fit comfortably, cover the teeth and gums, and remain securely in place during activity.
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