Protect Your Smile With a Mouth Guard That Fits
A collision, fall or stray ball can injure your teeth in an instant. A properly fitted sports mouth guard helps cushion impact and reduce the risk of dental injuries during practices, games and recreational activities.
At The Dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Kirian provides custom sports mouth guards in Newark, Ohio, for athletes of different ages and activity levels. We consider your teeth, sport and comfort when planning your guard.
Call 740-366-1236 to schedule a mouth guard consultation with our dentist before your next season or activity.
A Better Fit Makes Protection Easier to Wear
- Made for your teeth: Records of your mouth guide the guard’s shape and fit.
- Checked for comfort: We assess retention and whether the appliance interferes with breathing or speaking.
- Protection during activity: A mouth guard helps cushion blows that could damage teeth and nearby soft tissues.
- Reviewed as your mouth changes: Growth, orthodontic treatment and new dental work can affect fit.
Protection for More Than Contact Sports
Football, hockey, lacrosse, martial arts and other contact sports carry a risk of mouth injuries. Basketball, soccer, baseball and softball also involve collisions or fast-moving equipment.
Falls during activities such as skating, skateboarding and biking can injure teeth, too. A mouth guard may be appropriate even when a sport does not require one.
Tell us about the activities you or your child participate in, along with any league requirements. We can discuss suitable protection and how it fits with the rest of your equipment.
Dr. Kirian’s Experience With Athletes
During his senior year at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Dr. Kirian worked with university athletes. That experience reinforced his longstanding support for wearing mouth guards when dental injuries are a risk.
His approach centers on practical prevention: an appliance should fit the athlete, be comfortable enough to wear consistently and be checked when the teeth or dental work change.
If you have crowns, fillings or a history of dental injury, tell us so these can be considered when planning your protection.
What Happens at a Mouth Guard Appointment?
- Review your needs: We examine your teeth and bite and discuss your sport, age, dental work and any orthodontic appliances.
- Take records: Impressions or digital records are used to make a guard for your mouth.
- Check the fit: When the guard is ready, we assess how securely and comfortably it fits and make any needed adjustments.
- Explain care and use: You receive instructions for wearing, cleaning and storing your guard.
Bring an existing guard if you have one. We can assess its condition and discuss whether it still fits your needs.
Custom, Boil-and-Bite or Stock Mouth Guards?
The useful question is whether a guard fits properly and will be worn consistently. Stock guards come in ready-made sizes, while boil-and-bite options are shaped at home. A custom guard is made from records of your teeth and checked by the dental team.
If a guard feels loose, requires constant clenching to hold it in place or makes breathing and speaking difficult, have the fit assessed. We can explain suitable options for your sport and circumstances.
Growing Smiles and Orthodontic Treatment
Children and teens may outgrow a guard as teeth erupt and their mouths develop. Teeth moving during orthodontic treatment can also change the fit.
Tell us about braces or aligners before a guard is made. We can discuss protection that accounts for the appliance and coordinate recommendations with the treating orthodontist when needed.
Have the guard checked regularly and whenever it begins to feel tight, loose or uncomfortable.
Keep Your Guard Ready for the Next Practice
Follow the cleaning instructions provided. Rinse the guard after use, clean it regularly and store it in a protective, ventilated case. Avoid hot water and leaving it in a hot car, which can distort the material.
Inspect it for tears, thinning and rough edges. Bring it to your dental examinations so we can check its condition and fit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Mouth Guards
Should I wear a mouth guard during practice?
Yes, when the activity carries a risk of dental injury. Collisions and falls can happen during training as well as competition, so consistent use matters.
Can my child wear a mouth guard with braces?
Yes. Protection should account for brackets, wires and moving teeth. Tell us about orthodontic treatment so we can discuss an appropriate guard and when to have its fit reviewed.
Can I use my night guard for sports?
A night guard and a sports mouth guard serve different purposes. Bring your appliance for assessment rather than assuming a guard made for grinding provides appropriate sports protection.
How often should a sports mouth guard be replaced?
Replacement depends on growth, fit, wear and damage. A child may need a new guard as teeth change. Adults also need a replacement if a guard is damaged or no longer fits properly.
Will a mouth guard prevent every injury?
No. A properly fitted guard helps reduce the risk and severity of dental injuries, but injuries can still occur. Continue using other protective equipment appropriate for your activity.
What should I do if a tooth is injured while wearing a guard?
Contact a dentist promptly for assessment. Wearing a guard does not rule out damage after a blow to the mouth, even if the tooth initially looks intact.
How much does a custom sports mouth guard cost?
The fee depends on the appliance recommended. We can explain the suitable options and associated fees at your consultation.
Make Smile Protection Part of Your Sports Routine
Call 740-366-1236 or contact The Dentist to schedule a custom sports mouth guard consultation with Dr. Kirian in Newark, OH. Our preventive care includes helping athletes protect their teeth before an injury happens.