Sports Mouthguards

Why athletes of every age should protect their smile

Sports-related impacts are a leading cause of dental injuries for children, teens, and adults alike. Whether the activity is organized contact sports, recreational play, or a weekend pickup game, collisions and falls can fracture teeth, damage soft tissues, or cause serious jaw injuries. For patients who value both performance and long-term oral health, preventing these injuries is far easier than treating them later.

A properly designed mouthguard absorbs and disperses forces that would otherwise be concentrated on teeth and surrounding structures. Beyond obvious protection for enamel and roots, a mouthguard reduces the chance of lacerations to the cheeks, lips, and tongue and can help limit the severity of jaw trauma. This protective function preserves not only appearance but also function — speaking, chewing, and breathing can all be compromised by oral injuries.

Encouraging athletes to wear a mouthguard is a simple, proactive step families can take to lower risk. Patients and parents often appreciate that this one preventive appliance supports both safety and confidence on the field. Clear, practical guidance about selection and care makes it easier for athletes to adopt this healthy habit.

Understanding the different types of mouthguards

Mouthguards on the market fall into three broad categories: stock guards, boil-and-bite models, and custom-fitted devices made by a dental professional. Stock guards are pre-formed and ready to wear, but they often fit poorly and can interfere with breathing or speaking. Boil-and-bite options offer a better fit by allowing a patient to soften the material in hot water and mold it to the teeth, yet they still lack the precision of a custom appliance.

Custom mouthguards are crafted from impressions or digital scans of the patient’s teeth, producing a tailored fit that balances protection, comfort, and stability. This individualized approach reduces movement during play, minimizes speech and breathing interference, and generally feels more natural. For athletes who wear a mouthguard frequently or play high-impact sports, the difference in fit and protection is meaningful.

When deciding which type is appropriate, clinicians consider the sport’s risk profile, the patient’s anatomy, and how often the mouthguard will be used. A dentist or orthodontist can explain the advantages of each option and recommend the best choice for performance and protection without overwhelming patients with technical detail.

Special considerations for patients with braces or restorative work

Orthodontic appliances and certain dental restorations change how a mouthguard must fit and function. Brackets and wires present additional points of contact that can cause soft-tissue injury during a collision; similarly, crowns and bridges require careful protection to avoid damage. Standard ready-to-wear guards rarely account for these variables, leaving patients exposed to unnecessary risk.

For patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, a mouthguard should accommodate hardware while providing a cushion between the teeth and soft tissues. In some cases, a thicker or specially contoured design is recommended to prevent bracket-related lacerations and to protect the progress of orthodontic work. Likewise, patients with recent restorative procedures may need a guard that offers targeted coverage without adding harmful pressure.

Discussing these issues with an orthodontic professional helps ensure the chosen appliance preserves ongoing treatment goals. Adjustments and follow-up checks are part of good care, especially while braces are active or after significant restorative procedures.

Fit, maintenance, and performance: making a mouthguard work for you

A mouthguard that fits well is comfortable, stable, and easy to keep clean. Proper fit reduces the temptation to remove or neglect the guard during play, which is essential for consistent protection. After fitting, patients should practice wearing the guard during training and light activity to confirm comfort and breathing ease before competitive events.

Maintenance is straightforward but important. Rinsing a mouthguard with cool water after use, gently brushing it with a toothbrush and mild soap, and storing it in a ventilated case will prolong its serviceable life. Regular inspection for tears, distortion, or deterioration is also necessary — damage can compromise protection and warrants prompt replacement.

The lifespan of a mouthguard depends on frequency of use, the player’s age, and material quality. Young athletes whose mouths are still growing will need replacements more often than adults. Routine checks by the dental team can help patients recognize when a new guard is advisable to maintain optimal safety and fit.

Custom mouthguards and the role of your orthodontic team

When protection matters most, custom mouthguards offer clear advantages in fit, comfort, and durability. A custom appliance starts with an accurate record of the patient’s bite, taken either with a gentle impression or with a digital scan. From there, a lab-grade material is shaped to the unique contours of the teeth and supporting structures to provide consistent coverage and shock absorption.

The process integrates clinical expertise with attention to performance. Your orthodontic team evaluates the demands of the sport, the patient’s oral anatomy, and any ongoing treatment needs to design an appliance that balances protection with the ability to breathe and communicate. Follow-up visits ensure the guard remains effective as treatment progresses or as the athlete grows.

At Inspirational Smiles Orthodontics, we emphasize prevention alongside corrective care, helping patients select and maintain mouthguards that protect their investment in a healthy smile. Our approach is practical and patient-centered: careful fitting, clear instructions for use and care, and routine checks to make sure the appliance continues to perform as intended.

Wrap-up: Protecting your smile is part of caring for your overall health. A well-chosen, properly fitted mouthguard can prevent serious dental and facial injuries and keep athletes performing at their best. Contact us for more information about which mouthguard is right for you or your child and how to keep it working effectively.