Any sport that involves physical contact, fast-moving objects, or hard surfaces carries a risk to the mouth and face. Even brief collisions or unexpected falls can cause chipped or broken teeth, soft-tissue lacerations, and jaw injuries that lead to long-term problems with biting, speaking, and oral health. Beyond the immediate pain, dental trauma often requires complex restorative care and can affect confidence, athletic performance, and overall wellbeing.
Wearing a mouthguard is one of the most effective, straightforward measures athletes can take to reduce these risks. A well-fitting appliance absorbs and distributes impact forces, helping to prevent tooth fractures, root damage, and soft-tissue injuries. In addition, mouthguards can help stabilize the jaws during a blow, which may reduce the likelihood of concussions and other facial injuries by limiting excessive jaw movement.
Prevention is not only about avoiding emergency treatment — it’s about preserving long-term oral health. Athletes who regularly use protective devices can minimize the need for future restorative work, maintain better function for everyday activities, and enjoy their sports with greater peace of mind. For parents and adult athletes alike, a proactive approach to mouth protection is a practical investment in both safety and quality of life.
Sports mouthguards generally fall into three categories: stock (ready-to-wear), “boil-and-bite,” and custom-made. Stock guards are preformed and come in standard sizes; they are inexpensive and require no fitting, but they can be bulky, uncomfortable, and less protective because they rarely conform closely to an individual’s teeth. Boil-and-bite guards soften in hot water and are then molded at home to approximate the shape of the wearer’s mouth, offering a middle ground between convenience and fit.
Custom-made mouthguards are crafted by dental professionals from impressions or digital scans of a patient’s teeth. These appliances provide the highest level of protection, comfort, and retention because they are tailored to the exact contours of the mouth. Custom devices are also easier to breathe and speak with, which encourages consistent use during practices and competitions. For athletes who value performance and safety, a custom guard is typically the preferred choice.
Choosing the right type depends on several factors including the sport, frequency of play, existing dental conditions, and personal comfort. Coaches and athletic trainers often recommend custom or boil-and-bite options for contact sports, while non-contact athletes may still benefit from a basic guard. The best selection balances protection, comfort, and practicality so that the athlete will actually wear it when needed.
Certain groups gain particular advantage from a custom mouthguard. Players in high-impact sports such as football, hockey, lacrosse, and martial arts face elevated risk of facial trauma and typically perform better when using a device that stays securely in place. Children and teenagers, whose mouths are still developing and who are active in organized sports, also benefit from individualized protection tailored to their dental growth and any orthodontic appliances they might be wearing.
Individuals with existing dental restorations — crowns, bridges, implants, or extensive fillings — should consider custom guards to safeguard those investments. Likewise, athletes undergoing orthodontic treatment need a guard that accommodates brackets and wires without causing irritation. A custom appliance can be designed to protect both natural teeth and dental work while reducing the chance of appliance-related injuries to the soft tissues.
Even casual or recreational athletes can find value in custom guards because added comfort increases the likelihood of consistent use. When a mouthguard fits well and doesn’t interfere with breathing or communication, athletes are far more likely to wear it during practices and informal play, offering ongoing protection rather than occasional, unreliable coverage.
A custom mouthguard begins with a careful evaluation of the patient’s mouth and medical history to ensure the appliance addresses specific needs. The process usually involves taking impressions or using digital scanning technology to capture precise details of the teeth, bite, and soft tissues. These records allow the laboratory or in-office fabrication system to create an appliance that conforms exactly to the wearer’s anatomy, providing superior fit and function.
Material choices and design features are then discussed, including thickness, coverage, and any special considerations such as space for braces or a design that accommodates a particular sport’s rules. Because the guard is made to fit closely, the result is a device that minimizes movement, reduces bulk, and supports comfortable breathing and speech. The final appliance is trimmed and polished for a smooth finish, and your provider will verify the fit and make any adjustments necessary for optimal comfort.
Follow-up care is also part of the professional fitting process. Your dental team will explain proper cleaning and storage, advise on how to identify wear or damage, and recommend replacement intervals based on use and developmental changes. A professional fitting gives athletes confidence that their mouthguard will perform reliably when it matters most.
Proper maintenance extends the life of a mouthguard and helps prevent bacterial buildup. After each use, rinse the appliance under cool water and brush gently with a soft toothbrush and mild, non-abrasive toothpaste or soap. Allow it to air-dry completely before storing it in a ventilated case to reduce moisture-related odors and microbial growth. Avoid exposing the guard to heat or sunlight, which can warp its shape and compromise fit.
Regular inspection is important: check the mouthguard for cracks, thinning, hardening, or persistent odors that can indicate deterioration. Children and adolescents should have their mouthguards evaluated more frequently because changes in dentition and jaw growth can affect fit. If the appliance becomes loose, distorted, or no longer provides comfortable coverage, replacement is recommended to maintain effective protection.
Routine professional reviews during dental visits are a good practice, especially if you or your child are active in sports year-round. These checkups allow your dental team to confirm the guard’s condition and suggest adjustments or a new appliance when necessary. With straightforward care and timely replacement, a mouthguard remains a dependable piece of protective equipment for athletes of all ages.
In summary, a properly chosen and maintained mouthguard is a simple yet powerful tool for preventing sports-related dental and facial injuries. Whether you’re weighing the differences between stock, boil-and-bite, and custom options or preparing for a professional fitting, thoughtful choices make a meaningful difference in safety and comfort. Our office has experience helping athletes select and fit mouthguards tailored to their unique needs. Contact us to learn more about the options available and how a personalized approach can protect your smile.
A sports mouthguard is a removable device made of resilient material that fits over the teeth to protect the mouth during physical activity. It cushions blows to the face, helps prevent tooth fractures and dislocations, and reduces lacerations to the lips, cheeks and tongue. Mouthguards can also help stabilize the jaw and absorb some impact energy, lowering the risk of dental and facial injuries.
They are recommended for contact and collision sports such as football, hockey, lacrosse, boxing and martial arts, as well as recreational activities like skateboarding, cycling and basketball where falls or impacts can occur. Even noncontact sports can pose a risk when participants collide or fall, so clinicians often advise athletes at all levels to consider wearing one. Proper fit and material affect comfort and protection, so selection is an important step in prevention.
There are three main types of mouthguards available: stock (ready-to-wear), boil-and-bite, and custom-fitted devices made by a dental professional. Each option varies in fit, protection and comfort, so understanding the differences helps you choose the most appropriate device for your needs. Factors to consider include the level of contact in the sport, whether braces or dental restorations are present, and how often the guard will be used.
Stock mouthguards are preformed and inexpensive but often fit poorly, which can interfere with breathing and talking. Boil-and-bite guards soften in hot water and allow limited molding to the teeth for an improved fit compared with stock styles, but they may still lack precise adaptation and long-term durability. Both types can provide basic protection for casual or occasional use, especially when a custom guard is not immediately available.
Custom mouthguards are fabricated from an impression or digital scan of your teeth and are shaped by dental professionals to provide a precise, comfortable fit and consistent thickness where protection is needed most. They typically offer superior retention, comfort and shock absorption, and can be designed to accommodate braces or implant restorations. For athletes seeking the best long-term protection and performance, a custom guard is generally recommended.
Athletes of all ages who participate in contact or collision sports should wear a mouthguard; this includes youth players and adults involved in organized or recreational activities. Children and teenagers are particularly vulnerable because their permanent teeth are still developing and they often engage in high-energy play. Coaches, parents and schools should encourage consistent use to reduce the risk of dental injury.
Individuals with previous dental work, such as crowns, bridges or implants, also benefit from wearing mouthguards to protect restorations from impact. People who grind their teeth (bruxism) during athletic activity or who have protruding front teeth may be advised to wear a specially designed guard. Your dentist can assess your individual needs and recommend the appropriate type of protection.
Custom mouthguards generally provide better protection and comfort than over-the-counter options because they are precisely adapted to an athlete's mouth. A well-fitted guard stays in place, permits normal breathing and speech, and distributes impact forces more effectively across the dental arch. These advantages can improve compliance, meaning athletes are more likely to wear the guard consistently.
At Value Dental Center, our team evaluates each patient's bite, dental restorations and athletic demands to recommend a guard that balances comfort and protection. Custom guards are particularly beneficial for athletes with braces, complex dental work or those who require a slim profile for optimal performance. They can also be designed to meet specific sport regulations or mouthpiece requirements.
Making a custom mouthguard typically begins with an oral exam and an impression or digital scan of the teeth to capture precise anatomy. The dentist or dental lab uses that capture to fabricate a guard of uniform thickness with reinforced areas where impact absorption is most important. Materials vary, but commonly used polymers are selected for shock absorption, durability and biocompatibility.
The finished guard is tried in the mouth and adjusted for fit, occlusion and comfort; the clinician checks that the athlete can breathe and speak easily while wearing it. If braces or restorative work are present, the guard may include extra clearance or supportive features to protect both tooth structures and appliances. Periodic follow-up allows the office to make minor adjustments as teeth change or to address normal wear.
Rinse the mouthguard with cool water before and after each use and brush it gently with a toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste or mild soap to remove saliva and debris. Avoid hot water, which can distort the shape, and never leave the guard in direct sunlight or in a hot car. After cleaning, store the guard in a ventilated case to allow it to dry and to reduce bacterial growth.
Regularly inspect the mouthguard for signs of wear, tears or changes in fit; damage can compromise protection and is a cue to replace the appliance. Some dentists recommend periodic professional cleaning or disinfecting solutions designed for dental appliances to maintain hygiene. If the guard becomes hard, warped or uncomfortable, stop using it and consult your dental office for evaluation.
The useful life of a mouthguard depends on material, frequency of use and the athlete's care habits; over-the-counter guards typically wear out sooner than custom devices. Many clinicians recommend routine replacement for stock and boil-and-bite guards within a year of regular use, while custom guards can last several years with proper maintenance. Children and adolescents may need more frequent replacements because of dental development and growth.
Replace a mouthguard sooner if you notice cracks, thinning, holes or a change in fit that compromises retention and comfort. Athletes who grind their teeth or who play contact sports daily may need replacements more often, so regular inspection is important. Your dentist can help determine the right replacement interval and will re-evaluate fit during routine visits.
Yes—athletes with braces, fixed appliances or recent restorative work can and should wear mouthguards, but they often require special design considerations. A guard designed for orthodontic patients will provide extra space to accommodate brackets and wires while still protecting the lips and cheeks from lacerations. Properly fabricated guards help prevent damage to the appliances and reduce the risk of soft tissue injury.
Boil-and-bite guards sometimes provide temporary protection for players with braces, but they may not offer adequate clearance or consistent retention. Custom guards made by a dentist will be tailored to fit over or around orthodontic hardware and can be adjusted as treatment progresses. Communicate with your orthodontist or dentist so the appliance integrates with your treatment plan and protective needs.
Mouthguards are primarily intended to protect teeth, soft tissues and the jaw from impact and are effective at reducing dental and oral injuries. Scientific evidence on the extent to which mouthguards prevent concussions is mixed; while some studies suggest that a well-fitted guard may help dissipate forces and reduce head acceleration, they are not a guaranteed method for preventing concussions. Concussion prevention relies on a combination of properly fitted helmets, safe technique, rule enforcement and situational awareness.
Athletes and coaches should view mouthguards as one part of a broader safety strategy rather than a standalone concussion solution. If concussion risk is a primary concern, discuss sport-specific helmets and validated protective strategies with your athletic trainer or dental professional. Always seek prompt medical evaluation for any head injury or signs of concussion.
To obtain a custom sports mouthguard at Value Dental Center, schedule an appointment so a clinician can perform an oral exam and discuss your sport, position and protective needs. Our team will take a digital scan or impression and explain material options and design features tailored to your activity and dental situation. We focus on creating guards that balance protection, comfort and breathability to promote consistent use.
Value Dental Center is located at 3320 S Cicero Ave inside Walmart in Cicero, IL, and our team is available during regular office hours to fit and adjust custom guards for athletes of all ages. Bring any helmets or protective headgear to your appointment so we can evaluate how the mouthguard integrates with other equipment. If you have braces or recent dental work, mention this when scheduling so we can plan the appropriate design and follow-up.
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