Standards
ANSI/ADA Standard No. 99:2001, Athletic Mouth Protectors and Materials sets the technical specifications for athletic mouth guards as well as instructions to manufacturers regarding labeling and packaging.
7
According to the ADA Council of Scientific Affairs and the Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention,
2 an ideal mouth guard should:
- be properly fitted to the wearer’s mouth and accurately adapted to his or her oral structures;
- be made of resilient material approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and cover all remaining teeth on one arch, customarily the maxillary;
- stay in place comfortably and securely;
- be physiologically compatible with the wearer;
- be relatively easy to clean;
- have high-impact energy absorption and reduce transmitted forces upon impact.
Types of Mouth Guards
ANSI/ADA Standard No. 99:2001 defines three categories of mouth guards, typically made up of thermoplastic ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), but varying in cost, adaptability, comfort, level of contact with dentist, and safety efficacy.
2, 8, 9
Stock (ready-made)
This is the most commonly available and least expensive type of mouth guard, available at retail establishments such as department and sporting goods stores, and does not require visits to the dentist. Because it is only available in a limited range of sizes, requires the mouth to be shut to keep it in place, and is not adapted to the user’s mouth, research suggest it is the least effective type of mouth guard.
2, 8, 10
Mouth-formed (boil and bite)
These self-adapting mouth guards are designed to soften when placed in hot water, then cooled and placed into the mouth.
2, 8, 10 The product is then adapted to the user’s mouth by bite pressure and manipulation by the tongue and fingers.
2, 8 A dental professional may provide assistance with the final molding, particularly if the user has orthodontic appliances,
2, 8 but boil and bite mouth guards are widely available at retail establishments such as sporting goods stores and are generally designed for home use.
Custom-made
Custom mouth guards are fabricated in a dental office or laboratory from individual patient impressions. They provide the best fit, adaptability and efficacy, but are the most expensive option and require dental visits.
2, 8, 10 More information for the dentist may be found in “Fabricating a custom-fitted mouth guard” in
this 2006 JADA article.