Mouth guards are protecting devices for the mouth. It covers the teeth and the gums from a few injury during active sports or all through dental procedures like teeth bleaching. A mouth guard should be good in fitting, be comfortable and easy to use.
There are many types of mouth guards available in the market. The most basic ones are the ready made ones, which are pre-formed in various sizes and do not allow any adjustment. These mouth guards can do more damage than help.
The second type is the mouth adapted ones. These mouth guards are also available in preformed shapes, but they allow for closer fitting to the users mouth by remoulding the guard when heated to the boiling point. These are very popular as they are affordable and still offer limited customization.
The third type is custom made by specialist manufacturers and offers the best fit. These are the most expensive ones, as the guard manufacturer or the dentist takes the impressions of the teeth using dental putty, and prepares the guard in accordance to the impressions received. The most advanced mouth guards available in the market are custom made fits that can be remoulded if required for finest adjustments.
The best mouth guards are made of extra thin material, as this allows for comfortable wear and provides clear definition to the teeth. The thinness also lessens the feeling of an alien object inside the user�s mouth. Moulds made from specific EVA material are best suited as they can be remoulded until a perfect mould has been made for its user. These moulds also allow for self moulding, as they are easy to use and can be corrected for lack of better fit.
The most effective mouth guard should be resilient, durable, tear resistant and very comfortable. They should be easy to clean and maintain hygiene. A good fit is vital to allow for unrestricted breathing and talking. A worn out mouth guard is less effective as it can expose teeth and oral tissues to irritation. A good fitting mould is also very important for increased efficiency of the gel.
Mould making can be difficult if the process is not well understood. It is best to select the product which comes with detailed instructions explaining how to make the mould and to get the best out of the product. A few products in the market are now accompanied by easy to follow instruction manual, along with an instructional DVD to ensure that the product is being used correctly. Check the packaging cover for details on products suitability for yourself, as strong chemicals are used for making moulds. It is best to be advised about its usage before actually buying the product.
A mouth guard is as good as its maintenance. Care should be taken to regularly wash the mouth guard in antiseptic solution, to store it in a stable perforated container and have it checked once in a while by your dentist.
