More than 40 sports have been identified where wearing a mouthguard would provide protection, and reduce the severity of dental injuries.
The Australian Dental Association recommends only professionally made mouthguards be used. This means the mouthguard must be custom-made for each person. It should also be used at training, and checked each year by your dentist to make sure it retains its original fit, comfort and protective ability.
Generally, mouth guards cover your upper teeth only, but in some instances (such as if you wear braces or another fixed dental appliance on your lower jaw), your dentist will make a mouth guard for the lower teeth as well. Your dentist can suggest the best mouth guard for you. An effective mouth guard should be comfortable, resist tears, be durable and easy to clean, and should not restrict your breathing or speech.
If you grind your teeth at night, a special mouth guard-type of dental appliance -- called a nocturnal bite plate or bite splint -- may be created to prevent tooth damage.