Sports Mouthguards

A mouthguard cushions the impact of a blow to the face, spreading the force so it is not concentrated on a single tooth. It helps protect against chipped, fractured, and knocked-out teeth, and it also shields the lips, cheeks, and tongue from being cut against the edges of the teeth. Dental injuries sustained during sport are common, and the cost and complexity of restoring a damaged smile far outweigh the cost of protecting it.

Stock mouthguards come pre-formed and ready to wear. They are the least expensive option, but because they cannot be adjusted, the fit is often bulky and loose.

Boil and bite mouthguards are softened in hot water and then shaped against the teeth. They fit better than stock guards, though the material tends to thin out over the areas that need protection most.

Custom mouthguards are made in a dental laboratory from a precise impression or digital scan of your teeth. They offer the closest fit, the most even protection, and the greatest comfort, which also makes them the type patients are most likely to keep wearing.

Any activity that carries a risk of contact with another player, equipment, or the ground is worth protecting against. That clearly includes football, hockey, boxing, martial arts, basketball, and lacrosse, but it also covers activities people do not always think of, such as skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking, and skiing. If there is a chance of a fall or a collision, a mouthguard is worth wearing.

Yes, and it is especially important that you do. A blow to the mouth can drive the lips against brackets and wires, causing significant soft tissue injury. Patients in orthodontic treatment usually need a guard designed with additional coverage, and often one that protects the lower teeth as well. Let us know that you are in treatment and we will design a guard that accommodates your appliances.

No. The two appliances look similar but are built for entirely different jobs. A sports mouthguard is made from a resilient material chosen to absorb sudden impact. A night guard is made from a harder material designed to withstand the sustained pressure of clenching and grinding over several hours. One will not substitute for the other, and wearing the wrong type offers far less protection than you might expect.

Rinse it before and after every use, and brush it periodically with a toothbrush and a mild soap rather than toothpaste, which can be abrasive. Always rinse with cool water, as hot water can distort the shape. Store it in a ventilated case so it can dry, and keep it out of direct sunlight and away from the dashboard of a car, where heat will warp it.

Bring your mouthguard to your checkup visits so we can look at it. Replace it whenever the material becomes thin, torn, or no longer holds its shape. Children and teenagers typically need replacements more frequently, because a guard that fit well last season may no longer fit as the jaw grows and new teeth come in.

A well-fitted guard should stay in place without being clenched, allowing you to breathe and speak with minimal interference. This is one of the clearest advantages of a custom guard: because it is made to the contours of your own teeth, it is far less bulky than a stock or boil and bite guard, and athletes are much more likely to wear it consistently.