Mouthguards: Built to Protect and Preserve
Living an active lifestyle means protecting every part of your body, including your smile. While helmets, goggles, and pads are common safety gear for athletes, many people forget how important it is to protect their teeth. A mouthguard is one of the simplest and most effective tools to help prevent dental injuries during sports and recreational activities.
Even low-contact activities like biking, gymnastics, or skateboarding can involve unexpected contact with the face. A fall, collision, or flying ball can cause chipped, cracked, or even knocked-out teeth. Mouthguards act as a cushion, absorbing impact and helping to prevent serious injury not just to teeth, but also to the lips, jaw, and tongue.
They're especially essential for contact sports such as football, hockey, lacrosse, boxing, and martial arts, where face and jaw impacts are more frequent. However, the truth is simple: if there’s a risk of falling or facial contact, wearing a mouthguard is a smart move.
Which Mouthguard Is Right for You?
There are three main types of mouthguards, each offering a different level of fit and protection:
-
Stock Mouthguards
These are pre-formed and ready to wear out of the package. While they’re inexpensive and easy to find in stores, they often fit poorly and may feel bulky or uncomfortable, limiting their protective ability.
-
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
Made from thermoplastic material, these can be softened in hot water and molded to fit your teeth. They offer a more personalized fit than stock guards and are also widely available in sporting goods stores.
-
Custom Mouthguards
Custom guards, made by your dentist specifically for your mouth, offer the highest level of comfort, protection, and durability. Though more costly than store-bought options, they’re ideal for serious athletes or anyone wearing braces.
Safety Beyond Teeth
A well-fitted mouthguard protects teeth, reduces the risk of jaw injuries and soft tissue damage, and even lessens the severity of concussions. For patients with braces or dental appliances, a custom mouthguard is highly recommended to prevent injury to both the teeth and the surrounding soft tissue.
Before your next game, ride, or adventure, talk to your dentist about which type of mouthguard is best for your activity level. Protect your smile; a few seconds of prevention can save years of dental repair.