Everything You Need to Know About Dental Mouth Guards
Anyone who participates in a sport that carries a significant risk of injury should wear a mouth protector. Sports like basketball, baseball, gymnastics, and volleyball all pose risks to your gum tissues, as well as your teeth. We usually think of football and hockey as the most dangerous to the teeth, but nearly half of sports-related mouth injuries occur in basketball and baseball.
A helmet can prevent serious injuries such as concussions, cerebral hemorrhages, incidents of unconsciousness, jaw fractures and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw gets jammed into the upper jaw. Mouth guards are effective in moving soft tissue in the oral cavity away from the teeth, preventing laceration and bruising of the lips and cheeks, especially for those who wear orthodontic appliances.
Mouth protectors, which typically cover the upper teeth, can cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth. If you wear braces or another fixed dental appliance on your lower jaw, a mouth protector is available for these teeth as well.
A properly fitted mouth protector 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 mouth protector also provides a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, limiting the risk of soft tissue injuries. Although mouth protectors typically only cover the upper teeth, your dentist or orthodontist may suggest that you use a mouth protector on the lower teeth if you have braces on these teeth too. If you have a retainer or other removable appliance, do not wear it during any contact sports.
Types of mouth guards
There are three types of mouth protectors:
- Stock – 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.
- Boil and bite – Can be bought at many sporting goods stores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. They should be softened in water, then inserted and allowed to adapt to the shape of your mouth. If you don’t follow the directions carefully you can wind up with a poor-fitting mouth protector.
- Custom-fitted – Made by your dentist for you personally. They are more expensive than the other versions, but because they are customized, they can offer a better fit than anything you can buy off the shelf.
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At Twin Oaks Dental, we're not just your average dental office – we're a holistic wellness experience. We firmly believe that your oral health is intimately connected to your overall well-being, and we're on a mission to empower you to live your best, healthiest life.
Our team at Twin Oaks Dental is more than just skilled professionals; we are passionate individuals who strive for excellence in the field of dentistry. Every member of our team maintains the highest levels of accreditation and is committed to ongoing education, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the latest advancements in dental care.
Innovation is a core value of our practice, and we live this value through the continuing education our staff receives along with the leading technology our industry has to offer.
So, if you're seeking more than just a dental appointment, but a transformative wellness experience, Twin Oaks Dental is the place for you.
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What Sets twin oaks apart
Systemic Health Screening Built Into Every Visit
We routinely assess for oral signs connected to cardiovascular risk, diabetes, sleep apnea, and inflammatory disease. Early detection at the dental chair can be genuinely life-changing — and we take that responsibility seriously.
Biocompatible, Conservative Care
We are a mercury-free, metal-free practice. We use materials chosen for safety and long-term compatibility with your body, and we follow established safe amalgam removal protocols. Every treatment recommendation is grounded in what's best for your health — we never recommend what isn't necessary.
Advanced Technology for Precise, Comfortable Treatment
From Guided Biofilm Therapy — a precision hygiene system that replaces uncomfortable scraping — to digital low-radiation imaging and same-day treatment options, our technology is chosen to make your care more accurate, more efficient, and significantly more comfortable.
Collaborative Care with Your Health Team
We believe your dentist should be part of your broader healthcare picture. We are building collaborative relationships with physicians, sleep specialists, and other providers in the north metro so that when we identify something beyond our scope, you have a clear path forward. If you have an existing physician or specialist, we welcome the opportunity to coordinate care.
Comfort-Focused, Judgment-Free Environment
We've partnered with Twin Anesthesia to offer professionally administered sedation for patients who need extra support. Beyond sedation, our entire approach is built around clear communication, paced appointments, and a team that genuinely listens. Dental anxiety is common and completely valid — we meet you where you are.
Wellness Services That Complement Your Care
Twin Oaks extends beyond dentistry into esthetic and wellness services — including skincare treatments and IV therapy — reflecting our commitment to supporting your health in every dimension. Our RepeatMD membership gives patients streamlined access to the full scope of our services with built-in rewards and savings.
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