Who Needs a Mouthguard?
Any child or adult who is involved in organized athletics or recreational activities should wear a mouthguard.  In general, you should wear a mouthguard any time you have a chance of making contact with other participants or a hard surface.

Fractured teeth, neck injuries and abrasions in the mouth, also known as sports-related dental injuries, are ever present among athletes. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, sports-related dental injuries account for more than 600,000 emergency room visits each year. In some 200,000 cases annually, mouthguards have been known to avert oral injuries and cut the risk of concussion by 50 percent.

Types of Mouthguards
There are three basic types of mouthguards.  The best being a professionally made fitted mouthguard made by your dentist.  This provides the best protection and fits the most comfortably.  These guards can be made with or without a helmet strap.  Additionally, you can choose colors, have your name placed on the guard.  The second is a boil and bite mouthguard sold a sports shops.  This does not fit as well of provide the support necessary to prevent all injuries.  The third is a stock mouthguard that is not fitted at all.  These fall out of the mouth, restrict breathing and are usually uncomfortable.

Fabrication Process
It is simple, a mould of your upper teeth and gums is taken using a putty like material.  You pick the colors and type of guard and any additional "flair".  The mould is sent to a laboratory where the mouthguard is fabricated.  It is suggested that all cavities be filled prior to taking the molds.

Caring for Your Mouthguard
Mouthguards can become havens for bacteria, viruses, yeasts and molds.  While mouthguards appear solid they are very porous and all those organisms can absorb into them like a sponge.  

The following are tips on caring for your mouthguard:

• Brush your mouthguard after you use it with toothpaste.
• Store your mouthguard in a container that allows airflow.
• Wash your mouthguard with soap and water once a week.
• Do not chew on your mouthguard.
• Bring your mouthguard to the dentist at your cleaning to get it checked out.