When it comes to choosing and fitting a sports mouth guard, athletes should call Dr. Epel at her office in Rockville Centre and learn that Mouth guards prevent injuries to the head and neck by cushioning blows that otherwise might cause jaw fractures or concussions to athletes of both sexes. The total cost for the treatment of a knocked-out tooth are 20 times more than the cost of a custom made mouth guard.

There are different mouth guards available which differ in comfort, fit and cost. The boil and bite type do not fit accurately as custom fabricated types so that often are uncomfortable and frequently interfere with the athletes breathing and speaking ability. A custom fit ensures protection.

I - Stock or Store Bought
II - Store Bought - Boil and Bite
III - Vacuum Fabricated Custom Made
IV - Heat/Pressure Laminated Custom Made

As important as the type of mouth guard used is the fact that they should be worn during practices as well as during games. And that injuries in sports are not limited to men, women should also wear mouth protectors. Wrestling, handball, soccer, gymnastics, boxing, hockey, volleyball, basketball, football are some of the sports that can seriously harm the face, head and tongue as a result of head-to-head contact, falls, tooth clenching or flying pieces of equipment.