How do I know what size mouthguard to get? Your mouthguard should end somewhere between your first and second molar (touching but not extending past the back teeth) and should cover all of your front teeth while also covering some of the gums, making it so you can move your tongue. If it is too big or touches the soft palate in any way as well as causing discomfort.
Choosing the right size mouthguard is an important step in protecting your teeth, jaw, and head.
Don’t worry if your mouthguard looks too small or too big at first. After you boil and bite them they should be a perfect fit.
How to know you have the right size mouthguard?
If your mouthguard is covering all your teeth and comes into contact with your gums without causing discomfort then it is the right size for you.
The only way to know if a too-large mouthguard will cause issues is by wearing it during practice and competition. If it does touch the soft palate or causes discomfort while playing, this mouthguard may need to be adjusted.
If you have a mouthguard that is too small, it will not cover all of your teeth and could cause discomfort when playing with the smaller size. You can adjust this by boiling it in water for five minutes before biting down to soften the material so you can mold it around your teeth better.
Different types of mouthguards and their benefits
There are three types of mouthguards: a boil-and-bite guard which must be boiled before use; a custom fit guard that requires impressions to be taken; or a preformed guard that does not need to be boiled or molded.
If you are looking for a boil-and-bite mouthguard, you have to know they usually come in two sizes. One for youths and one for adults. In the boiling process, the mouthguard will become a good fit for your mouth.
If a preformed mouthguard is what you are after, it may be tempting to buy one in the store without measuring since they come in many sizes – however, we strongly recommend measuring because they tend to be too small.
If you are looking for a custom-made mouthguard, it is important to visit your dentist so they can take impressions of your teeth and then create the perfect fit in their lab. We recommend this because if not done correctly, a preformed mouthguard could be too big or just uncomfortable.
We recommend a boil-and-bite guard because they provide the most comfort, fit, and protection if done correctly.
Do you have a hard time finding a mouthguard that is right for you because all of them seem too big? You can read more about mouthguards for small mouths here.
Why you should wear a mouthguard during sports
Mouthguards should be worn during all types of contact sports that involve the head or neck, such as hockey, football, or MMA.
Mouthguards can help prevent teeth from breaking or jaw injuries after a blow to your face. They also protect against concussions if hit in the back of the head by another person’s elbow.
It is important for people who wear braces to have a mouthguard because the wire can snap off and hit teeth, which could break or chip them.
Mouthguards are important for skiers and snowboarders because if you fall on your face, mouth protection is a must.
Lastly, many people wear mouth guards when exercising to protect their teeth from breaking or chipping due to impact with other objects or players. Splinters can also cause damage to teeth.
Also, make sure you get the right mouthguard for the sport you are practicing. Some guards are designed to handle high-impact forces while others are a bit weaker.
Pros and cons of wearing a mouthguard
Pros:
- Protects teeth from breaking or chipping
- Prevents concussions by absorbing blows to the face and head.
- Cheaper than going to the dentist
- More comfortable than wearing a mouthpiece
Cons:
- Can affect breathing, talking, chewing (depending on the type)
Conclusion
So, How do I know what size mouthguard to get?
When you are choosing a mouth guard for sports, it is important to keep in mind that they should fit comfortably and allow your tongue to move freely.
If the mouthguard feels too big or small at first, try boiling them. So they will mold more easily around your teeth.
You can also use this time to find out if any of the pieces need to be trimmed off. You can use scissors for that.
After all these steps are completed, try biting down on the boiled mouthguard again. And see how it fits- chances are everything should be perfect!