Custom mouthguards are appliances that are made for athletes, usually by their dentist. Custom mouthpieces are typically considered to be the preferred type of mouthguard and considered to provide the greatest level of mouth protection. These guards can be customized not only related to factors associated with the athlete's oral anatomy but also in some cases according to the type of sport that the wearer will be participating in.

The fit, comfort, and retention of a custom mouthguard can be expected to be superior to any other type of mouth protector. This means that it can be anticipated that a custom mouthguard will be pleasant to wear and therefore more likely to be worn at all times. The superior retention typically associated with a custom mouthguard implies that it will be less likely to interfere with the wearer's breathing and speech. These guards can cost several times the amount of a boil and bite or stock mouthguard but this should be considered money that has been well spent.

Top 10 reasons to wear a mouthguard:

1. They prevent injury to your teeth and face


2. They prevent or reduce concussions and head injuries


3. They prevent cuts and scarring to your lips and tongue


4. They prevent injuries that send you to the emergency room and keep you from finishing the game


5. It’s hard to smile without your teeth


6. It’s difficult to eat well without your teeth


7. They keep your teeth attached to your head


8. They are cheaper than tooth re-implantation, bridgework or implants


9. Smart athletes wear them


10. They come in various fashionable colors

Dr. Rosemarie Goldstein graduated from the University of the Pacific in 1994, also attended Dominican University and College of Marin. Her experience and love is family dentistry with a strong focus on preventive dentistry for children. 

Dr. Goldstein is Fluent in Spanish and is a member of the following organizations: American Dental Association, California Dental Association, American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, American Laser Academy and the Marin County Dental Society.