Sports Mouthguards

Why mouthguards matter: protecting more than a smile

Sports-related blows to the face can cause more than a chipped tooth. A direct impact may injure soft tissues, fracture jawbones, or lead to dental avulsions (knocked-out teeth) that require urgent care. For athletes at every level, a properly fitted mouthguard serves as a first line of defense — absorbing and dispersing force so that the risk of serious oral and facial injury is markedly reduced.

Beyond acute trauma, recurring impacts to the mouth or jaw can produce long-term problems such as tooth mobility, enamel damage, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) irritation. In contact and collision sports — and even in many recreational activities — using protective gear designed for the mouth helps preserve both function and form. For parents and coaches, encouraging consistent use is one of the simplest steps toward long-term dental health for young athletes.

Comfort and compliance matter because a mouthguard only works when it’s worn. Modern mouthguards are designed to fit closely, minimize speech interference, and allow breathing during exertion. When patients choose a guard that fits well and feels secure, they are far more likely to wear it consistently — and that consistent use is what ultimately prevents many avoidable injuries.

Understanding your options: stock, boil-and-bite, and custom guards

There are three main categories of sports mouthguards available today, each with different benefits and trade-offs. Ready-to-wear stock guards are pre-formed and come in standard sizes; they offer immediate availability but generally provide the least precise fit and may be bulky or uncomfortable. Boil-and-bite guards are thermoplastic sheets that soften in hot water so they can be adapted to the teeth by biting down; they improve fit over stock options but can still be imperfect.

Custom mouthguards are fabricated from impressions or digital scans of a patient’s teeth and are produced in a dental laboratory under controlled conditions. Because they are tailored to the individual's oral anatomy, custom guards typically offer superior comfort, retention, and protection. They can also be engineered to specific thicknesses and materials depending on the sport and the athlete’s needs.

When selecting a guard, consider the type of sport, the athlete’s age, existing dental work, and whether orthodontic appliances are in place. Many organizations recommend a custom guard for high-contact sports and for people who require long-term protection. Discussing activity level and dental history with a dental professional helps ensure the most appropriate choice is made for safety and wearability.

No matter which option is selected, proper fit and maintenance are essential. A poorly fitting mouthguard can increase the risk of injury by shifting during impact or making breathing and speaking difficult. Regular inspections and adjustments keep a guard functioning as intended over time.

Why custom-fitted guards are often the best choice

Custom-fitted mouthguards are created from accurate impressions or digital scans of the upper teeth, producing a close, individualized fit. This precision reduces movement during play and allows for a thinner profile that is more comfortable without sacrificing protection. Athletes frequently report better tolerance and less gagging with custom guards, which encourages regular use.

In addition to comfort, custom guards can be designed with sport-specific features. For example, some guards emphasize shock absorption for high-impact sports, while others balance protection with the need for clear breathing and communication. A dentist can recommend material formulations and thicknesses that align with an athlete’s particular exposure to contact and collision.

For patients who participate in competitive athletics or who have previously experienced an oral injury, a custom guard represents an investment in prevention. Because it is made to exact specifications, it also performs consistently over repeated use and is easier to evaluate for wear and fit during follow-up visits. When maintenance or minor adjustments are needed, a dental professional can address them efficiently.

Custom guards can also be customized for team identification or comfort elements like softer linings along the gumline. These refinements can increase compliance by making the guard feel more personalized and less intrusive during athletic activity.

Special considerations: braces, implants, and unique oral needs

Orthodontic appliances and certain restorative dental work change how a mouthguard should fit. Brackets, wires, and newly moved teeth create irregular surfaces that can catch or press uncomfortably against a generic guard. For patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, specialized mouthguards provide extra clearance and protection to prevent soft-tissue injury and damage to the appliances themselves.

Individuals with dental implants, crowns, or removable prosthetics may also require tailored protection. A mouthguard that accommodates these features will prevent undue stress on restorations while protecting the surrounding tissues. When oral anatomy is altered by surgery or congenital conditions, a custom-fitted guard ensures secure coverage without compromising existing dental work.

Young athletes whose jaws and dentition are still developing need periodic re-evaluation of fit. A guard that fit comfortably this season may become tight or misaligned as growth progresses. Regular checkups allow dental professionals to recommend timely replacements or refabrication so that protection remains effective during growth spurts and orthodontic adjustments.

Care, maintenance, and recognizing when to replace a guard

Proper care extends the functional life of a mouthguard and helps prevent bacterial buildup. Rinse the guard with cool water immediately after use and store it in a ventilated case away from direct sunlight. Clean it daily with a soft toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste or with a mild soap; avoid hot water, which can warp thermoplastic materials. Inspect the guard frequently for tears, thinning, or noticeable deformation.

When a mouthguard shows signs of wear, or if it no longer fits snugly, replacement is important. A compromised guard will not absorb or distribute impact as intended and may actually increase risk. Athletes should bring their guard to dental appointments so the practitioner can evaluate fit and structural integrity and recommend next steps based on observed wear patterns.

Storing and transporting a mouthguard properly reduces the chance of accidental damage. Keep it in a sturdy, ventilated container and avoid tossing it into gym bags where it can be crushed. For teams, labeling cases with player names and ensuring guards are returned to their owners prevents mix-ups that could expose an athlete to an ill-fitting device.

Wrap-up: Protecting athletes starts with prevention. A well-chosen and well-maintained mouthguard significantly reduces the likelihood of dental and facial injuries and supports long-term oral health. For personalized recommendations and a fitted option tailored to your needs, contact Newpoint Family Dental to learn more about how we can help protect your smile.