Participating in sports is rewarding, but it also introduces risks to the mouth, teeth, and jaw. A well-fitting mouthguard is the single most effective barrier against broken teeth, soft-tissue cuts, and jaw injuries during athletic activity. Beyond protecting individual teeth, a mouthguard helps stabilize the jaw and reduce the likelihood of lacerations to the lips, cheeks, and tongue that commonly occur in contact and collision sports.
Parents and athletes often underestimate how quickly a minor hit can become a major dental problem. A knocked-out tooth or a fractured crown can lead to complex dental care and long recovery times. Properly chosen mouth protection reduces the frequency and severity of these events, allowing athletes to focus on performance rather than the worry of preventable injury.
At Silsby Family Dental, we emphasize proactive protection. Our approach is to help patients and families understand the protective benefits of mouthguards, the options available, and how the right device can fit comfortably so athletes are more likely to wear it consistently.
There are three common categories of mouthguards: stock, boil-and-bite, and custom-made. Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and sold in sporting goods stores; they are ready to wear but often offer the least secure fit and can be bulky. Boil-and-bite guards are heated in hot water and then shaped around the teeth by the athlete; these provide an improved fit over stock models but still vary widely in comfort and protection depending on how precisely they’re formed.
Custom-made mouthguards are crafted from impressions taken by a dental professional, resulting in a device that conforms closely to an individual’s teeth and bite. Because they are tailored to a patient’s mouth, custom guards typically provide superior retention, comfort, and protection. They also interfere less with breathing and speech, which makes them more acceptable for regular use during practices and games.
When choosing among these options, consider the athlete’s age, the sport’s level of contact, any orthodontic appliances, and how often the guard will be worn. For competitive athletes and those with dental restorations or braces, a custom guard is frequently the best choice for consistent protection and long-term oral health.
It’s also useful to know that mouthguards come in different thicknesses and materials to balance shock absorption with ease of breathing. Discussing these details with a dental professional ensures the selected guard matches the athlete’s needs and the sport’s demands.
A custom mouthguard begins with a careful evaluation of the teeth and bite. During the appointment, the dental team will review the athlete’s medical and dental history, note any restorations or orthodontic appliances, and determine the most appropriate design. Accurate impressions of the upper—and sometimes lower—teeth are taken to create a model for fabrication.
Laboratory fabrication uses durable medical-grade materials that offer consistent shock absorption while maintaining a slim profile for comfort. The result is a mouthguard that seats snugly, resists displacement on impact, and minimizes interference with speech and breathing. For patients with braces or complex dental work, the design can be adapted to increase coverage and protection where it’s most needed.
At the fitting appointment, the practitioner checks the finished guard for fit and function, making minor adjustments as necessary. Patients are shown how to insert and remove the guard properly and advised on how it should feel—secure without causing soreness. A good-fitting custom mouthguard will remain stable during play without requiring constant repositioning.
Because athletes’ mouths change over time—especially in growing children—follow-up checks are recommended. The practice will advise when re-evaluation is needed to maintain optimal protection and comfort.
Proper care extends the life of a mouthguard and helps prevent bacterial buildup. Rinse the device with cool water immediately after use and clean it daily with a soft toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste or mild soap. Avoid hot water or harsh chemicals that can warp the material. Periodically, a more thorough sanitizing soak designed for oral appliances can be used as directed by your dental team.
Storage matters: keep the mouthguard in a ventilated case between uses to allow it to dry and to reduce microbial growth. Store the case in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Do not leave mouthguards in cars or near radiators where temperatures can deform them.
Regular inspection is essential. Look for signs of wear, tearing, thinning, or changes in fit. If the guard becomes distorted, cracked, or no longer fits snugly, it should be replaced or evaluated by your dental provider. Also have the mouthguard checked after a significant blow to the face—damage can be hidden inside a seemingly intact device.
Mouthguards are recommended for athletes of all ages who participate in contact and collision sports—such as football, hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, and rugby—as well as activities where falls or blows to the face are possible, including gymnastics, skateboarding, and mountain biking. Even in sports perceived as low-risk, accidental impacts can occur, so assessing individual risk makes sense for every athlete.
Young athletes and those with orthodontic appliances or dental restorations are particularly good candidates for custom protection. Braces can create additional soft-tissue injury risk, and crowns or implants require shielding from contact that might otherwise cause displacement or damage. Selecting the right guard helps preserve orthodontic treatment progress and protects restorative work.
Wearing a mouthguard during both practices and competitions is important. Most sports injuries happen during routine practice when athletes are less guarded, so consistent use is the best strategy for reducing preventable dental trauma. Coaches, parents, and athletes who prioritize protective gear help ensure both safety and longevity in sport participation.
Summary: A properly chosen and well-maintained mouthguard is a practical, proven way to reduce dental and oral injuries during athletic activity. Custom mouthguards offer the best fit and comfort for consistent use, and ongoing care and periodic evaluation help maintain protection over time. If you’d like to learn more about mouthguard options or schedule an evaluation, please contact us for more information.
