(HealthDay News) -- Anyone who participates in contact sports should consider wearing a mouthguard to minimize the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the soft tissue of the mouth.
For best results, the American Dental Association recommends, buy mouth protectors that are fitted properly.
Athletes can choose from three different kinds of mouthguards. Inexpensive stock mouth protectors come preformed and ready to wear. However, often they don't fit well and can make breathing difficult. The next type, boil and bite protectors, can be bought in sporting goods stores. They should be softened in water and allowed to form to the shape of the mouth.
Custom-fitted protectors are the most expensive mouth guards because they are custom-made by a dentist. But they usually provide the best fit and protection.
