Mouthguards in Millbrae and South San Francisco

Protect Your Smile with a Sports Mouthguard

Whether you wear braces or not, protecting your smile during sports is essential. Injuries to the mouth and jaw are among the most common sports-related injuries — but most can be prevented with a properly fitted mouthguard.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends wearing a mouthguard for a wide range of activities, including: Basketball, boxing, football, hockey, gymnastics, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, rugby, soccer, skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding, volleyball, water polo, wrestling, weightlifting, and more.

Types of Mouthguards

Choosing the right mouthguard is important for both comfort and protection. There are three basic types of mouthguards: 

1. Pre-Made Mouthguards 
   • Ready-to-wear and inexpensive, but often bulky, less comfortable and offer minimal protection. 
2. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards 
   • Softened in hot water and then molded to your teeth. Available in most sporting goods stores, these offer better fit and protection than pre-made options. 
3. Custom-Made Mouthguards 
   • Professionally designed by your dentist for the best fit, comfort, and protection. Provides maximum protection for physical sports. Ideal for athletes of all ages, patients wearing braces or retainers, and for those seeking the most durable, precise fit. 

When selecting a mouthguard, choose one that is tear-resistant, fits snugly, allows for easy breathing and speaking, and is simple to clean. If you wear braces or other dental appliances, your dentist can create a custom mouthguard designed to protect both your teeth and orthodontic work.

NOW OFFERING! Orb Smart Mouthguards 

The ORB Sport™ Smart Mouthguard is a protective oral appliance that tracks physiology and biomechanics, providing your patients with valuable performance-and-wellness data when it matters most.

• Tracks heart rate, body movement and head impacts Wearable during training and competition† 
• Fabricated with biocompatible EVA plastic material 
• Custom fit for maximum comfort and protection

Taking Care of Your Mouthguard

Proper care keeps your mouthguard clean, effective, and long-lasting. 

• Gently brush your mouthguard with a toothbrush and toothpaste after each use. 
• Store it in a ventilated protective case when not in use. 
• Avoid heat — don’t leave it in the sun or soak it in hot water, as it can warp or melt. 
• Replace it regularly — at the start of each new sports season or sooner if it shows signs of wear, damage, or poor fit. 
• Don’t chew on it or cut it into smaller pieces. 
• If you wear braces, never use a regular mouthguard — ask your dentist for a properly designed orthodontic version. 
• Bring your mouthguard to every dental checkup so your dentist can inspect and adjust it if needed.

Play Hard. Protect Your Smile.