Mouthguard

A mouthguard is a protective device that covers the teeth to prevent injury during sports or damage from nighttime teeth grinding. There are three main types: stock mouthguards (pre-formed and ready to wear, but bulky and poorly fitting), boil-and-bite mouthguards (softened in hot water and molded to the teeth at home), and custom-fitted mouthguards (made by a dentist from an impression of the patient's teeth for the best fit, comfort, and protection).

In sports, mouthguards are essential for preventing dental injuries. A blow to the face during contact sports like basketball, football, hockey, or martial arts can fracture, displace, or knock out teeth entirely. The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for 29 sports and activities. Custom mouthguards from a dental office provide superior protection because they fit precisely, stay in place, and allow normal breathing and speaking. For patients who grind their teeth at night, a mouthguard (often called a nightguard in this context) serves a different purpose. It creates a barrier between the upper and lower teeth to prevent the wear, fractures, and jaw pain that result from chronic grinding. While both sports guards and nightguards cover the teeth, they are designed differently. Sports guards are thicker and made to absorb impact, while nightguards are typically thinner and designed to manage bite forces during sleep.

For your practice, custom mouthguards are a quick, profitable service. Impressions take only a few minutes, and the lab fabrication cost is modest relative to the fee charged. Proactively asking patients about sports participation during hygiene appointments, especially for children and teens, is an easy way to introduce the service. For adults, connecting the dots between worn teeth, headaches, and bruxism during routine exams naturally leads to nightguard conversations.