It is well documented that sports participants of all ages are at risk of sustaining dental, head and neck injuries in both contact and non contact sports. In fact, athletic participants without mouth guards are 60 more time likely to suffer harm to teeth than those wearing mouth guards. Astoundingly, over 5 million teeth are knocked out at sporting events each year.

Protective benefits associated with the use of custom mouth guards include:

• Reduction of tooth fractures and dislocations
• Protection against intraoral soft tissue lacerations and bruises
• Protection against jaw fractures by absorbing energy from traumatic blows to the chin

Increased protection against concussions by cushioning from a blow to the jaw and preventing transmission of the shock through the TMJ to the skull.

Custom fitted mouth guards are far superior to mouth guards bought in the store that are pre-formed and/or of the boil and bite variety. The advantages of custom fitted mouth guards by dentists include:

• Comfort in wearing
• Strong retention (not falling out)
• Resilient and tear resistant
• Non restrictive for breathing and speaking during sports activities
• Easy to clean

Furthermore, custom fitted mouth guards are the only ones suited for children who wear braces.