Athletic activity brings clear physical and mental benefits, but it also exposes players to collisions, falls, and unexpected impacts that can injure the mouth and face. A well-fitted mouthguard absorbs and redistributes forces that would otherwise travel through teeth to the jaw and skull, lowering the risk of fractured teeth, knocked-out teeth, and soft tissue lacerations. Beyond immediate damage, traumatic dental injuries can lead to complicated, long-term dental treatment and compromised oral health if not prevented.
Even sports that aren’t traditionally labeled “contact” involve hazards — a stray ball, an elbow during a scramble, or hitting the ground can be enough to cause serious harm. Mouthguards also help protect the tongue, lips, and cheeks from being bitten during sudden impacts. For athletes wearing braces or other fixed orthodontic appliances, a mouthguard reduces the likelihood of wires or brackets cutting soft tissues if an impact occurs.
Prevention is the most effective strategy for minimizing the disruption and expense of dental trauma. For teams, coaches, parents, and athletes, selecting and using the right mouthguard is a practical, immediate step that significantly reduces risk. Proper protection preserves both short-term performance and long-term oral health, so a mouthguard should be treated as essential athletic gear rather than optional padding.
Sports mouthguards fall into three broad categories: off-the-shelf stock guards, boil-and-bite models purchased at sporting goods stores, and custom appliances crafted by a dental professional. Stock guards are pre-formed and inexpensive, but they often fit poorly, interfere with breathing, and can dislodge during play. Boil-and-bite guards offer an intermediate level of fit; they soften in hot water and can be shaped around the teeth for improved retention.
Custom mouthguards are made from impressions or digital scans of an athlete’s teeth and bite, producing the best combination of comfort, protection, and stability. Because they conform precisely to the dental anatomy, custom guards provide more reliable shock absorption and less movement during activity. This enhanced fit can also improve breathing and speech, which matters for athletes who must communicate quickly and clearly on the field.
Choosing between these types depends on the athlete’s age, the sport’s risk level, and any existing dental conditions such as braces, bridgework, or missing teeth. In situations where consistent high-impact contact is likely — for example, football, hockey, lacrosse, or boxing — a custom guard is often the preferred option for optimal protection and compliance. For lower-risk activities, a boil-and-bite may be an acceptable compromise if properly molded and maintained.
A custom mouthguard begins with a careful assessment of the athlete’s mouth, bite, and any dental appliances in place. The dentist or dental team will take impressions using traditional dental material or a digital intraoral scan; both methods capture the precise contours needed to fabricate a guard that seats comfortably and securely. Digital workflows often speed production and can improve accuracy, but both approaches result in a device shaped to the athlete’s unique anatomy.
After impressions are sent to a dental laboratory, a technician constructs the mouthguard from resilient, medical-grade materials layered for shock absorption and durability. When the finished guard returns to the office, the clinician evaluates fit, adjusts edges for comfort, and verifies that the athlete can breathe and speak easily while wearing it. The final appointment is also a chance to practice inserting, removing, and caring for the appliance so athletes and caregivers feel confident in everyday use.
For athletes with braces or other fixed orthodontic work, the clinician will recommend a guard that offers additional clearance and protective coverage. In some cases, a two-piece or specially contoured design is used to safeguard both the teeth and the orthodontic hardware. The goal of the fitting is to deliver protection without compromising oral function, ensuring that athletes keep the guard in place during the moments it matters most.
Routine care extends the life and effectiveness of any mouthguard. After each use, rinse the guard in cool water and brush it gently with a toothbrush using toothpaste-free soap or a non-abrasive cleanser. Avoid heat and direct sunlight, which can warp the material — never leave a mouthguard in a hot dashboard or near a heater. Dry it thoroughly before storing to discourage bacterial growth and odor.
Store the appliance in a ventilated case to protect it from damage while allowing airflow. Inspect the guard regularly for signs of wear such as thinning, holes, or changes in fit; any cracks, rough edges, or persistent odors are indicators that replacement or professional evaluation is needed. For players who share gear, reinforce that mouthguards are personal medical devices and should not be exchanged under any circumstances.
For younger athletes whose mouths are still changing, more frequent replacement may be necessary as teeth erupt or orthodontic treatment progresses. The dental team can advise on appropriate inspection intervals and recommend timing for refitting or fabricating a new guard so protection remains consistent throughout growth and treatment phases.
Choosing a mouthguard is about balancing protection, comfort, and function. Contact sports with frequent collisions typically call for thicker, more robust designs that emphasize shock absorption. Sports that require heavy breathing or verbal signals, such as basketball or soccer, may benefit from guards designed for minimal interference with respiration and communication. Youth athletes often need guards that accommodate growth and develop good long-term habits surrounding protective gear.
Athletes with restorative dental work or missing teeth require special attention when selecting a mouthguard: the appliance should distribute forces in a way that protects vulnerable restorations and avoids creating pressure points. Similarly, those with sleep bruxism or known jaw disorders should discuss guard designs that consider occlusion and jaw positioning to prevent exacerbating existing conditions while still offering sports protection.
Coaches, parents, and athletes should prioritize fit and wearability — a protective mouthguard does no good if it is left on the bench because it feels cumbersome. Custom guards tend to achieve the highest rate of consistent use due to superior comfort and retention. For teams or schools seeking guidance, a dental professional can recommend appropriate models and schedule fittings that align with preseason preparation.
In summary, a properly chosen and fitted mouthguard is one of the most effective tools for preventing dental and facial injuries in sport. Whether selecting a ready-made option for casual play or investing in a custom appliance for competitive activity, the priority is a secure, comfortable fit that encourages regular use. For tailored recommendations and a professional fitting, contact Contemporary Dentistry to learn how we can help protect your athlete’s smile. Contact us for more information.
Sports mouthguards absorb and redistribute forces from impacts to the face and jaw, reducing the risk of fractured or knocked-out teeth and lacerated soft tissues. They also protect the jaw joint by limiting force transmission that can contribute to jaw injuries and concussions. By preventing immediate damage, mouthguards help avoid complex restorative treatments and long-term oral-health consequences.
Mouthguards are valuable even in sports not traditionally labeled contact because stray objects, falls, or incidental collisions can cause serious dental harm. For athletes with braces or other appliances, a properly designed guard prevents wires and brackets from cutting soft tissues during impact. Because protection directly supports both short-term performance and long-term oral health, a mouthguard belongs in an athlete's standard gear list.
Stock mouthguards come pre-formed and are the least expensive option, but they often fit poorly, interfere with breathing, and can dislodge during play. Boil-and-bite guards improve fit by softening in hot water so the athlete can mold them around the teeth, offering better retention than stock models but still varying in fit and comfort. Custom mouthguards are fabricated from impressions or digital scans and provide the most precise fit, superior retention, and more consistent shock absorption.
Choice depends on factors such as the sport's risk level, age of the athlete, and existing dental work like implants or restorations. For high-impact or contact sports, custom guards are typically recommended for their comfort and consistent use. For occasional or lower-risk activities, a well-molded boil-and-bite can be acceptable if properly inspected and maintained.
A custom mouthguard starts with a clinical evaluation and an impression of the athlete's teeth or a digital intraoral scan to capture precise anatomy and the bite relationship. Dental technicians use these records to fabricate the appliance from layered, medical-grade materials engineered for shock absorption and durability. The layered construction and laboratory finishing allow technicians to balance cushioning with structural stability for protection and retention.
At the delivery appointment the clinician checks fit, trims and smooths any borders for comfort, and verifies that the athlete can breathe and speak while wearing the guard. The clinician will demonstrate insertion, removal, and care techniques so athletes and caregivers feel confident using the device. Adjustments can be made after initial wear to refine comfort and ensure consistent on-field use.
Yes. Athletes with braces or other fixed orthodontic appliances benefit from mouthguards designed to provide extra clearance and protect both the teeth and the orthodontic hardware. Custom designs or two-piece guards are often recommended because they accommodate the brackets and wires while minimizing direct pressure on appliances. These designs also reduce the risk of soft-tissue cuts from broken wires or displaced brackets during impact.
An orthodontic patient should consult both the orthodontist and the dental clinician to select the best guard for the stage of treatment. Periodic reassessment is important because tooth movement or appliance adjustments can change fit and necessitate refitting or fabrication of a new guard. Properly fitted protection helps maintain treatment progress while keeping the athlete safe during play.
Rinse the mouthguard with cool water immediately after use and clean it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild, non-abrasive soap or a recommended cleanser. Avoid toothpaste with abrasive particles and never expose the guard to high heat or direct sunlight, as heat can warp the material and compromise fit. Dry the appliance thoroughly before storing to reduce bacterial growth.
Keep the mouthguard in a ventilated storage case to protect it from damage while allowing airflow to inhibit odor and microbial buildup. Inspect the guard regularly for thinning, tears, cracks, or changes in fit and replace or consult a clinician if any defects appear. Remind athletes that mouthguards are personal medical devices and should not be shared.
Replace a mouthguard if you notice visible wear such as thinning, holes, cracks, or persistent odors that do not resolve with cleaning. Any change in fit, discomfort, or a guard that no longer seats securely are clear signs that a replacement or professional evaluation is needed. After a significant impact, even if no visible damage is present, have the guard inspected because internal deformation can reduce protective function.
Younger athletes should expect more frequent replacement as teeth erupt and jaws grow, and orthodontic treatment often requires new guards as alignment changes. Regularly scheduled checks—at least each season or whenever treatment milestones occur—help ensure consistent protection. Clinicians can advise on timing based on growth, wear patterns, and sport-specific demands.
Custom mouthguards are commonly fabricated from medical-grade thermoplastics such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and multilayered laminates that combine cushioning and structural stability. Laboratory fabrication allows technicians to create zones of differing thickness and density to maximize shock absorption while maintaining a slim profile for comfort. Quality materials and proper fabrication yield excellent durability for the intended athletic lifespan of the device.
Durability depends on intensity of use, maintenance, and sport-related wear; rigorous contact sports naturally shorten usable life more quickly than occasional play. Good care practices, including avoiding heat and cleaning after each use, extend the service life. When in doubt about material fatigue or performance, consult your dental clinician for inspection and replacement guidance.
Properly fitted mouthguards are designed to minimize interference with breathing and speech; custom devices conform precisely to the teeth and occlusion, allowing athletes to inhale and exhale more freely than bulky, ill-fitting stock guards. Manufacturers and clinicians balance thickness and contour to preserve airway volume and permit clear verbal signals where necessary. Athletes often adapt quickly to wearing a well-fitted guard during practices and drills.
For positions or sports that require frequent vocal communication, discuss reduced bulk in selective areas with the clinician so the guard supports both protection and performance. Regular practice while wearing the guard helps athletes incorporate it into normal play and reduces the likelihood of removing it during competition. Clinicians can fine-tune fit to enhance comfort, breathing, and speech when needed.
Selecting the right mouthguard depends on the sport's level of contact, the athlete's age, and any dental restorations or orthodontic appliances present. High-impact contact sports generally benefit from thicker, more robust designs that emphasize shock absorption, while endurance or communication-heavy sports may prioritize a slim profile that supports breathing and speech. Youth athletes need guards that accommodate dental development and encourage consistent use.
Discuss specific needs with a dental professional who can assess your mouth, any restorations, and the demands of the sport to recommend stock, boil-and-bite, or custom solutions. For athletes with crowns, implants, or missing teeth, a custom guard can distribute forces to protect vulnerable areas without creating harmful pressure points. Choosing a comfortable, well-fitted device is the single best predictor of consistent use and effective protection.
Contemporary Dentistry can coordinate individual fittings and advise teams, coaches, and families on timing to ensure guards are ready before the season begins. The process typically involves an initial assessment, impressions or digital scans, laboratory fabrication, and a final fitting appointment for adjustments and care instructions. Group or school programs can be scheduled to streamline fittings for multiple athletes.
During the fitting the clinician will demonstrate insertion, removal, and recommended maintenance so athletes and caregivers feel confident caring for the appliance. For teams with many athletes, planning ahead and allowing time for fabrication and adjustments helps ensure everyone has reliable protection when play starts. Reach out to the office to discuss logistics and available fitting options.