Participating in sports is a great way to stay active and healthy, but many activities also carry a risk of injury to the teeth, gums, lips, cheeks, and jaw. A properly fitted mouthguard can help protect your smile from many types of sports-related dental injuries.

Whether you are playing recreational sports or participating in competitive athletics, wearing a mouthguard can be an important part of protecting your oral health.

Why Wear a Sports Mouthguard?

A mouthguard creates a protective barrier between your teeth and the soft tissues of your mouth. It can help absorb and distribute some of the force from an impact, reducing the risk of certain dental injuries.

Mouthguards are particularly important during contact and collision sports, but injuries can also occur during activities that do not involve direct contact.

What Can a Mouthguard Protect Against?

A properly fitted mouthguard can help reduce the risk of several types of injuries.

• Chipped or fractured teeth
• Knocked-out teeth
• Damage to dental restorations
• Injuries to the lips and cheeks
• Injuries to the tongue
• Some types of jaw injuries

Although no mouthguard can prevent every injury, wearing one provides an important layer of protection during sports activities.

Who Should Wear a Mouthguard?

Children, teenagers, and adults who participate in sports with a risk of facial or dental injury should consider wearing a mouthguard.

Mouthguards can be especially important for activities involving physical contact, collisions, falls, or equipment that may strike the face.

Sports That May Require a Mouthguard

Mouthguards are commonly recommended for a wide range of sports and activities.

• Hockey
• Football
• Soccer
• Basketball
• Boxing and martial arts
• Lacrosse
• Wrestling
• Rugby
• Baseball and softball
• Skateboarding and similar activities
• Other sports involving falls or facial impact

Types of Sports Mouthguards

There are several types of mouthguards available. They differ in fit, comfort, protection, and cost.

Stock Mouthguards

Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and available in standard sizes. They are generally less expensive but may not provide the same level of comfort or fit as a custom mouthguard.

Because they are not individually fitted, they may feel bulky or make it more difficult to speak and breathe comfortably.

Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards

Boil-and-bite mouthguards are softened in hot water and then shaped around the teeth. They generally provide a better fit than stock mouthguards.

However, the final fit depends on how accurately the material is molded and may not be as precise as a professionally fitted mouthguard.

Custom-Fitted Mouthguards

Custom mouthguards are made specifically for your mouth by a dental professional. They are designed to provide a secure, comfortable fit while allowing you to speak and breathe normally.

A custom-fitted mouthguard can be especially beneficial for athletes who participate regularly in sports or who have braces, dental restorations, or other specific oral health considerations.

Mouthguards & Braces

Athletes wearing braces need appropriate protection because an impact can cause the brackets or wires to injure the lips, cheeks, or other soft tissues.

Specially designed orthodontic mouthguards can provide room for the teeth and orthodontic appliances and may need to be replaced as the teeth move during treatment.

If you wear braces, speak with your dentist or orthodontist before choosing a mouthguard.

What Makes a Good Mouthguard?

A good mouthguard should be comfortable, secure, and appropriate for the activity you participate in.

• Fits securely without being overly tight.
• Covers and protects the teeth appropriately.
• Allows you to breathe comfortably.
• Allows you to communicate as clearly as possible.
• Does not interfere unnecessarily with your normal bite.
• Is durable enough for your sport and activity level.

How to Care for Your Mouthguard

Proper care can help keep your mouthguard clean and extend its useful life.

• Rinse your mouthguard with cool water after each use.
• Clean it regularly according to your dentist’s recommendations.
• Allow it to dry completely before storing it.
• Keep it in a ventilated protective case.
• Keep it away from excessive heat.
• Do not chew on the mouthguard.

Bring your mouthguard to regular dental visits so your dental professional can check its condition and fit.

When Should a Mouthguard Be Replaced?

Mouthguards can wear down over time, particularly when they are used frequently. A damaged, worn, or poorly fitting mouthguard may not provide the protection you need.

Children and teenagers may also need replacement mouthguards as their teeth and jaws grow or as orthodontic treatment changes the position of their teeth.

Replace a mouthguard if it becomes damaged, excessively worn, or no longer fits properly.

Mouthguard Care for Children & Teens

Children and teenagers should be encouraged to wear their mouthguards consistently during practices and games when protection is recommended.

Because their mouths are still developing, their mouthguards should be checked regularly to make sure they continue to fit properly.

What to Do After a Dental Injury

Even with a mouthguard, dental injuries can sometimes occur. If a tooth is chipped, broken, displaced, or knocked out during sports, seek dental care as soon as possible.

If a permanent tooth is knocked out, handle it carefully by the crown rather than the root and seek urgent dental attention. If you are unsure what to do after a dental injury, contact your dental professional immediately for guidance.

Protect Your Smile While Staying Active

Sports should be fun and healthy, and protecting your teeth should be part of your preparation. Wearing an appropriately fitted mouthguard can significantly reduce the risk of many sports-related dental injuries.

If you or your child participates in sports, the team at Scarborough Village Dental Care can help you determine whether a mouthguard is appropriate and discuss options for a comfortable, protective fit.