A sports mouthguard is a removable dental device that covers the teeth and gums, serves to absorb shocks, and has the function of distributing and absorbing the force of a direct impact to the teeth or gums throughout the device.

There are three types of mouthguards: preformed mouthguards, sold in pharmacies and sports stores; universal thermoplastic mouthguards for boiling at home; and custom-made mouthguards made by a dentist.

Studies show that significant costs (medical, financial, cognitive, social and psychological) are associated with orofacial injuries, which are widespread in many sports. The protective device is therefore essential when practising activities and sports with a high risk of impact (e. g. hockey, soccer, football, boxing, skiing, basketball, martial arts, rugby, lacrosse, BMX, etc.)

• Protects teeth, gums, tongue and jaws from sports injuries caused by a blow to the face while preventing the loss or fracture of teeth that may come into contact with the equipment;
• Prevents fractures, excessive wear and tear and tooth injuries caused by clenching;
• Reduces the severity of injuries to the mucous membranes of the mouth;
• Reduces the risk of concussion.

Preformed mouthguards and boilable thermoplastic mouthguards do not offer the same protection at all as clinically manufactured custom mouthguards. These types of universal protectors have various disadvantages:

• They offer minimal or no protection;
• They are unstable in the mouth;
• They interfere with breathing and speech.

It should also be noted that all types of mouthguards require a certain adaptation period.

• Dental fracture;
• Loss of tooth if the fracture is too deep;
• Broken jaw.

In order to obtain a custom-made mouthguard, two appointments are required.

At the first appointment, the dentist takes the impression of the teeth. This will be used to manufacture the protector, which requires a period of ten to fourteen days.

At the second appointment, the dentist places the mouth guard in the mouth and gives the patient the instructions for its use and maintenance.

Varies according to the type of protector: from $10 to $100 (basic universal models in stores and pharmacies and boil at home models) and from $150 to $250 (devices designed at the dentist including mouth placement and instructions for use and maintenance.)

*Some insurance companies offer assistance for this type of device.

• Before each use, the protector must be rinsed with cold water or mouthwash;
• After each use, the protector should be cleaned under cold water with a toothbrush and a little toothpaste, then thoroughly rinsed;
• The protector must be air-dried and stored in a rigid container for ventilation;
• In order to avoid deformation of the protector, it must under no circumstances be exposed to high temperatures (e. g. hot water, sun, hot surface, etc.);
• You should occasionally check your guard for wear and replace it if it has tears and/or perforations, and if it becomes loose or no longer holds effectively in the mouth;
• Remember to bring your protector with you when you visit your dentist so that the dentist can check the condition;
• Note that the colour of your protector may vary with use.

People undergoing orthodontic treatment must consult their dentist to obtain a protector adapted to their condition.

None.