Sports-related injuries to the teeth and jaw are common across age groups and activity levels. A direct blow to the mouth can chip, crack, or dislodge teeth, and soft-tissue injuries to the lips, cheeks and tongue are frequent when an athlete’s mouth is unprotected. Beyond the immediate damage, dental trauma can lead to long-term problems including root damage, infection, and the need for complex restorative care.
Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard significantly lowers the risk of many of these outcomes by dispersing impact forces and preventing teeth from coming into destructive contact. In contact and collision sports—hockey, football, rugby, lacrosse—or activities where falls are likely, mouthguards act as a first line of defense. They also help reduce soft-tissue injuries from accidental biting during rapid jaw movements.
For parents and coaches, the decision to use a mouthguard is a practical one: it’s an effective preventative measure that protects an athlete’s ability to eat, speak and engage in daily life without the interruption of dental injury. For athletes with previous dental work or orthodontic appliances, protection becomes even more essential, since trauma can compromise restorations and appliances in addition to natural teeth.
Mouthguards function by absorbing and redistributing the energy from an impact so that less force reaches the teeth and underlying bone. The material commonly used—an engineered, shock-absorbing thermoplastic—compresses on impact and then rebounds, which reduces peak forces transmitted to vulnerable structures. This cushioning effect also helps minimize the chance of tooth-to-tooth contact that can lead to fractures.
Another important role of a mouthguard is to stabilize the jaw. By maintaining a small separation between the upper and lower teeth, a mouthguard reduces the likelihood of jaw joint (TMJ) injury and can prevent certain types of jaw displacement. For athletes who clench or grind under stress, the mouthguard can also serve as a barrier that protects restorations and enamel from excessive pressure.
Beyond impact absorption, a well-fitted mouthguard reduces soft-tissue injuries by covering sharp tooth edges and creating a smoother interior surface. This decreases the chance of lacerations to lips, cheeks and tongue when collisions occur. Because performance and comfort are important, modern mouthguards are designed to balance protection with breathability and speech clarity so athletes can perform without distraction.
There are three broad categories of mouthguards available: stock models, boil-and-bite types, and custom-fitted guards made by a dental professional. Stock mouthguards come ready to wear, but they are often bulky, offer a poor fit, and may move during activity—reducing protection and comfort. They are typically the least expensive option and may be appropriate for very occasional use, but they rarely meet the needs of serious athletes.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards, available at sporting goods stores, allow some degree of personalization. By softening the guard in hot water and molding it to the teeth, users can achieve a better fit than stock devices. While they improve comfort and stability compared with off-the-shelf models, variability in material quality and imperfect molding can still limit how well they protect, especially for athletes with braces or extensive dental restorations.
Custom mouthguards fabricated in the dental office provide the best balance of protection, fit and comfort. Made from impressions of the athlete’s teeth, they are tailored to bite, jaw shape and any dental appliances present. Because the fit is precise, custom guards stay in place, reduce breathing or speech restrictions, and offer superior shock absorption. For athletes who wear braces, have bridges, or need a guard for high-impact sports, a custom device is typically the most reliable solution.
When weighing options, consider activity level, frequency of play, and any special dental conditions. For recreational players who participate intermittently, a well-fitted boil-and-bite guard may suffice. For competitive or contact-sport athletes, and for youth whose mouths are changing, investing in professional guidance helps ensure the right kind of protection is chosen and monitored over time.
The process for creating a custom mouthguard is straightforward and patient-friendly. First, the dentist or dental team will take a precise impression or digital scan of the teeth and bite. This record is used to fabricate the mouthguard to exact specifications so it aligns with the athlete’s bite, provides full coverage where needed, and accommodates any orthodontic appliances or restorations.
Materials used for custom guards are selected for durability and shock absorption. The thickness and layering can be adapted to the athlete’s sport and level of contact—thicker components where greater protection is needed and thinner sections to preserve comfort and speech. Because the guard is made to the contours of the mouth, it minimizes movement during play and is less likely to trigger a gag reflex or impede breathing.
Fit and adjustments are an important part of the process. After fabrication, the guard is tried in the mouth and small refinements are made to address pressure points or improve retention. The dental team will also provide guidance on how to insert and remove the guard correctly so it remains effective and comfortable throughout use.
Finally, custom guards often last longer and provide more consistent protection over time than store-bought alternatives. They become particularly valuable for athletes who train frequently, play contact sports, or have complex dental needs. Having a guard made at the dental office also allows for periodic re-evaluation to ensure the device continues to fit well as teeth change or as restorations are placed.
Proper care preserves both hygiene and protective properties. Rinse the mouthguard immediately after use and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or mild soap. Allow it to air-dry completely before storing to discourage bacterial growth. Avoid leaving a mouthguard exposed to heat—hot cars or direct sunlight can warp the material and compromise fit.
Store the guard in a ventilated, rigid container to protect it from crushing and contamination. Replace the container periodically and keep the guard away from pets, who can easily be attracted to and chew on oral appliances. Inspect the mouthguard regularly for thinning, tears, or deformation—any visible damage is a sign that protection may be reduced and replacement should be considered.
For growing children and adolescents, plan on more frequent replacements because orthodontic changes and natural growth alter the fit over time. Additionally, any significant impact to the mouth—whether or not it causes immediate pain—warrants an evaluation of the guard by a dental professional. Even when the guard appears intact, unseen internal damage can diminish its protective ability.
Regular dental visits are a good opportunity to have your mouthguard assessed. The dental team can confirm that the fit remains appropriate, recommend repairs or remakes when necessary, and ensure the guard provides the level of protection suited to the athlete’s sport and dental condition.
At Saugeen Shores Family Dentistry, we’re committed to helping families and athletes choose and maintain the right protective solutions for active lives. Contact us to learn more about mouthguard options, the custom fabrication process, or to schedule an evaluation. Our team is happy to answer questions and help you protect what matters most—your smile.
A sports mouthguard is a removable oral appliance made from resilient materials that fit over the teeth to absorb and distribute impact forces. By cushioning blows to the mouth and jaw, a properly fitted mouthguard reduces the risk of chipped or knocked-out teeth, soft-tissue cuts, and jaw injuries. It also helps limit jaw movement that can contribute to concussions and other facial trauma.
Mouthguards are most commonly designed for the upper teeth but can be made for both arches when needed for added protection or special dental conditions. The appliance acts as a shock absorber between the teeth and surrounding structures, helping to prevent direct contact with high-velocity objects such as balls, bats or sticks. Proper fit and material thickness are key to balancing protection with comfort and breathing ability during activity.
There are three main categories of sports mouthguards: stock (ready-to-wear), boil-and-bite, and custom-made mouthguards fabricated by a dental professional. Stock guards offer convenience but often compromise fit and comfort, while boil-and-bite options provide a better fit than stock models but can still leave gaps or pressure points. Custom mouthguards are made from impressions of your teeth and are generally considered the best option for fit, retention and overall protection.
Choosing the right type depends on factors such as the sport's contact level, whether you wear orthodontic appliances, and your tolerance for bulk in the mouth. For high-contact sports or athletes who wear braces, a custom mouthguard is usually recommended because it can be designed to clear brackets and offer uniform coverage. If a custom device is not practical, a well-fitted boil-and-bite guard is an acceptable interim solution for lower-risk activities.
A custom mouthguard fabricated by a dentist is tailored to the exact shape of your teeth, gums and jaw relationships, which improves comfort, retention and protective performance. Precise impressions allow the lab to control material thickness and layering in areas most likely to receive impact, enhancing shock absorption without creating excessive bulk. This bespoke fit also helps maintain normal breathing and speech during play, which is important for athletic performance and safety.
Saugeen Shores Family Dentistry can guide the selection of suitable materials and designs based on the athlete's sport, age and dental status, ensuring the mouthguard provides both protection and long-term durability. In addition, a dentist-made guard can be adjusted easily if your bite changes or if you begin orthodontic treatment, maintaining consistent protection throughout play. Regular professional evaluation also helps identify wear patterns that may indicate the need for repair or replacement.
Athletes of all ages who participate in any sport with risk of body contact, falls, or projectiles should wear a mouthguard for protection. This includes organized team sports such as hockey, football and lacrosse, as well as recreational activities like skateboarding, mountain biking and martial arts. Even sports perceived as low contact can produce unexpected impacts, so wearing a mouthguard is a prudent safety measure for many participants.
Children and adolescents are especially recommended to wear mouthguards because their developing teeth and jaws are more vulnerable to trauma. Individuals who wear braces, bridges or other dental work should also use a mouthguard designed to accommodate those appliances to prevent damage and soft-tissue injury. Coaches and parents should encourage consistent use during practices and games to reduce the incidence of dental emergencies.
The process for a custom mouthguard begins with a clinical examination and an impression or digital scan of the athlete's teeth to capture an accurate model of the dental arches. The dental lab then uses that model to thermoform or laminate medical-grade materials into a guard that matches the individual's anatomy, with attention to thickness in impact-prone areas and adequate coverage for stability. Finally, the dentist checks fit, makes any necessary adjustments and verifies that the appliance allows comfortable breathing and clear speech.
Creating a custom mouthguard also allows for design modifications to suit specific needs, such as increased bulk for high-impact sports or relief areas for orthodontic brackets. Periodic follow-up visits ensure the guard continues to fit properly as teeth erupt, move or wear down, and the dentist can recommend repairs or remakes when fit deteriorates. Good communication between the athlete, parent and dental team ensures the final appliance balances protection and comfort.
Store the appliance in a ventilated, rigid case to protect it from deformation and contamination, and keep it away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Inspect the guard regularly for cracks, thin spots or rough edges and bring it to your dentist for professional cleaning or adjustment if needed. Never chew on the mouthguard or try to reshape it with household tools, as this can compromise fit and protective properties.
A mouthguard should be replaced whenever it shows signs of wear such as tears, thinning, permanent deformation or loss of proper fit. Regular replacement is especially important for growing children and adolescents, since erupting and shifting teeth can alter how the guard fits and reduce its protective ability. If the appliance becomes uncomfortable, interferes with breathing or retention is compromised, replacement is warranted.
Even durable custom guards will eventually reach the end of their useful life, so schedule periodic checks with your dental provider to assess condition and fit. After a significant impact, have the mouthguard examined for damage even if no visible defects are present, because hidden compromises can reduce effectiveness. Your dentist can advise on appropriate timing for replacement based on sport exposure and observed wear patterns.
Yes, athletes with orthodontic appliances or restorative work can and should wear mouthguards, but they often require specially designed devices to provide adequate protection and comfort. A standard stock guard may not accommodate brackets or wires and can transfer impact forces to the appliances, potentially causing damage or soft-tissue injury. Custom or professionally adapted boil-and-bite guards can be modified to create space for brackets and deliver even force distribution around crowns or bridges.
Working with your dentist ensures the mouthguard design incorporates relief areas, appropriate material thickness and retention features to protect both the teeth and the appliances. Athletes in active orthodontic treatment should have their mouthguard evaluated regularly as adjustments are made, and repairs or remakes may be necessary to maintain safe coverage throughout therapy. Properly fitted protection helps reduce the risk of dental emergencies while allowing treatment to continue safely.
When selecting a mouthguard, prioritize fit, material quality, thickness and the ability to breathe and speak comfortably while wearing it. Effective guards should remain securely in place during activity, dissipate impact energy evenly, and provide full soft-tissue coverage without excessively obstructing the airway. Look for devices made from medical-grade, shock-absorbing polymers that are durable yet flexible enough to conform to the teeth and soft tissues.
For organized sports, follow guidance from coaches, league administrators and health professionals about mandatory protective equipment, and choose a mouthguard that meets those requirements. A dentist can evaluate potential options and recommend a design that balances protection with performance needs for the athlete's specific sport. Routine inspection and maintenance are also part of ensuring the device continues to meet safety expectations over time.
To arrange a consultation for a custom sports mouthguard, contact the dental office to schedule an evaluation in which the clinician will review the athlete's dental history, examine the mouth and discuss sport-specific needs. During the visit, impressions or digital scans are taken and the dentist will explain design options, recommended materials and the anticipated timeline for fabrication. This visit also provides an opportunity to review care and storage instructions so the athlete understands how to maintain the appliance in peak condition.
Saugeen Shores Family Dentistry welcomes patients seeking custom protection and can coordinate fitting and follow-up care to ensure optimal performance and fit. If your child or team requires multiple guards or periodic replacements due to growth, the office can plan regular assessments to keep protection current. Clear communication about activity level and any dental appliances ensures the final mouthguard meets safety and comfort goals.
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