Sports-Related Dental Injuries and Sports Dentistry
Stock Mouthguards

Stock mouthguards may be purchased from a sporting goods store, pharmacy, or other retail stores. Made of rubber, polyvinyl chloride or a polyvinyl acetate copolymer,²¹ their advantage is that this type of mouthguard is relatively inexpensive, but the many disadvantages far outweigh the advantages. Stock mouthguards are available only in limited sizes, do not fit very well, inhibit speech and breathing, and require the jaws to be closed to hold the mouthguard in place.²² Because stock mouthguards do not fit well, the player may not wear this type of mouthguard due to discomfort and irritation. Orthodontists may recommend this type because they allow for protection of soft tissues while allowing tooth movement. In doing so, the ASD stated this type of mouthguard does not allow for adequate protection of the teeth and consider the stock mouthguard as unacceptable as an orofacial protective device.²³