Mouthguards, also called mouth protectors, help cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your lips, tongue, face or jaw. They typically cover the upper teeth and are a great way to protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining.

The best mouthguard is one that has been custom made for your mouth by your dentist. Over the counter or stock mouthguards are also available which are 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.

A properly fitted mouthguard 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 mouthguard also provides a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, which will help avoid injuries.

A mouthguard that isn’t cleaned, stored or maintained properly is going to wear out quickly. With proper care, your custom mouthguard’s longevity could last as long as three to five years! However, due to general breakdown from usage, a good rule of thumb is to replace your mouthguard each year.