Playing sports should be about skill, teamwork, and the thrill of competition—not recovering from a preventable dental injury. Sports-related impacts account for a large share of dental trauma each year, from chipped teeth and soft-tissue lacerations to more serious jaw and facial injuries. Properly designed mouthguards act as a simple, effective line of defense that reduces the risk of damage to teeth, gums, tongue, and surrounding facial structures while allowing athletes to focus on performance.
Any activity that allows for player contact, sudden falls, or the possibility of being struck by equipment carries a risk to the mouth. This includes organized contact sports like football, hockey, and lacrosse, but also recreational pursuits such as skateboarding, cycling, and martial arts. For younger athletes—whose jaws and permanent teeth are still developing—the consequences of a single blow can be especially lasting.
Beyond protecting individual teeth, mouthguards help absorb and distribute the force of an impact, lowering the likelihood of jaw fractures and soft tissue injuries. They also minimize the chance of cuts to the lips and cheeks from broken teeth, and can reduce concussion risk by cushioning the jaw during a violent hit. In short, a well-fitted mouthguard serves both preventive and protective functions that preserve long-term oral health.
Coaches, parents, and athletes who prioritize safety recognize that mouthguards are a straightforward, proactive measure. Wearing one is a small step that can prevent major interruptions to an athlete’s season—and to their life outside of sport.
Mouthguards generally fall into three categories: stock (ready-to-wear), boil-and-bite, and custom-made devices constructed by a dental professional. Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and offer convenience but often lack a secure fit and can interfere with breathing and communication. Boil-and-bite guards offer an intermediate option; they soften in hot water and can be shaped by the wearer for a better fit, though results vary with technique and material quality.
Custom mouthguards are made from an impression of the patient’s teeth and are fabricated in a dental lab to fit precisely. This personalized approach produces a comfortable device that stays in place, improves breathing and speech compared with off-the-shelf options, and provides consistent protection during impact. For athletes who wear braces, have extensive dental work, or want the highest level of comfort and retention, custom guards are often the preferred choice.
When choosing a guard, consider the balance between convenience, fit, and the level of protection required for the sport. The right choice depends on the athlete’s age, dental status, and the intensity of play.
A custom mouthguard begins with a careful dental evaluation and an impression of the teeth, which captures the exact shape of the dental arches and any orthodontic appliances. Skilled technicians use this model to fabricate a device from resilient, medical-grade materials that preserve protective qualities while remaining comfortable for extended wear. Because the device is tailored to the individual, it provides superior retention without the need for constant adjustment.
During the fitting appointment, the dentist checks how the mouthguard seats over the teeth and makes minor refinements to ensure even contact, unobstructed breathing, and a comfortable bite. For athletes with braces or other dental appliances, the design can be modified to accommodate hardware while still offering protective coverage. Proper fit is essential—not only for safety but also to encourage consistent use during practice and competition.
A well-designed custom mouthguard also respects speech and airway needs, enabling athletes to communicate clearly and perform at their best. Because these devices are created under professional supervision, they meet clinical standards for protection and durability that store-bought alternatives rarely match.
Keeping a mouthguard clean and in good condition is straightforward but important. Rinsing the device before and after use, brushing it with a toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste periodically, and allowing it to air-dry in a ventilated container all help prevent odors and bacteria buildup. Avoid exposing the guard to high heat, which can warp the material and compromise fit.
Inspect the mouthguard regularly for signs of wear—thinning areas, tears, or changes in shape can all indicate a loss of protective function. Young athletes may need replacements more often as their mouths grow and develop; those with orthodontic treatment will likely require new devices when brackets or tooth positions change. Even with careful maintenance, industry guidance suggests replacing guards periodically to ensure ongoing effectiveness.
Storing the mouthguard properly and having scheduled check-ins with your dental provider will keep the device functioning as intended and give athletes confidence that their protection is reliable game after game.
Choosing the best mouthguard involves matching the device to the athlete’s needs and the demands of their sport. High-contact sports generally require the most robust protection and a secure fit, while lower-contact activities may permit lighter, less bulky options. For youth players, prioritizing retention and ease of breathing encourages consistent use; for adult competitors, durability and comfort often take precedence.
Parents and coaches should also consider special circumstances such as existing dental restorations, recent oral surgeries, or ongoing orthodontic treatment—conditions that influence design choices and fitting protocols. Consulting with a dental professional ensures the selected guard will protect both natural teeth and any dental appliances present.
In school and club programs, establishing a clear policy about mouthguard use—paired with education on proper selection and care—creates a culture of safety that reduces preventable injuries and supports long-term dental health for all athletes involved.
At Lorber Dental NY, PLLC, we work with athletes and families to evaluate risks, recommend the right type of mouthguard, and provide custom-fitted options when appropriate. Our focus is on delivering practical protection that athletes will actually use—balancing comfort, retention, and performance needs.
In summary, an effective mouthguard is an essential piece of safety equipment for athletes at every level. From understanding the differences among stock, boil-and-bite, and custom guards to learning how to care for and replace them, informed choices make a measurable difference in preventing dental and facial injuries. Contact us to learn more about mouthguard options and to determine the best solution for your athlete’s needs.
A sports mouthguard is a protective appliance worn over the teeth to cushion blows to the face, head and jaw. It helps absorb and distribute impact forces that would otherwise be concentrated on individual teeth or the jawbone. By reducing direct trauma, mouthguards lower the risk of chipped or knocked-out teeth and soft-tissue injuries to the lips and cheeks.
Beyond protecting teeth, a well-fitted mouthguard can help stabilize the jaw and may reduce the transmission of force that contributes to certain facial fractures. Consistent use prevents interruptions to an athlete’s season and avoids the long-term dental consequences of untreated injuries. Coaches, parents and athletes should treat mouthguards as basic safety equipment for many sports and activities.
Anyone participating in activities with a risk of falls, collisions or contact with equipment should wear a mouthguard. This includes organized contact sports such as football, hockey and lacrosse, as well as recreational pursuits like skateboarding, cycling and martial arts. Young athletes are particularly vulnerable because their jaws and permanent teeth are still developing, making protection essential.
Mouthguards are also recommended for players who use protective headgear, those recovering from recent dental treatment, and athletes with a history of dental trauma. Wearing a mouthguard is a simple preventive measure that protects both natural teeth and restorative work, helping maintain oral health throughout an athletic career.
Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and ready to wear but often provide a poor fit, which can interfere with breathing and speaking. Boil-and-bite guards soften in hot water and can be shaped by the wearer for a better fit; they offer an intermediate level of protection but results depend on technique and material quality. Custom mouthguards are fabricated from an impression of the teeth and deliver the most consistent fit, comfort and retention.
Custom devices are made from medical-grade materials and are adjusted professionally to ensure even contact and proper airway clearance. They are generally preferred for athletes with braces, extensive dental work, or those who compete at high levels where maximum protection and performance are priorities. The choice should balance convenience, fit and the sport’s level of contact.
When evaluating options, consider how often the guard will be used, whether orthodontic appliances are present, and how much speech or breathing will be affected during play. A properly fitted guard encourages consistent use by minimizing discomfort and communication barriers. Consulting a dental professional helps match the device to the athlete’s needs and activity demands.
A custom mouthguard begins with a dental evaluation and an impression of the teeth to capture the exact shape of the dental arches. Dental technicians use that model to fabricate a device from resilient, medical-grade materials that provide protection while remaining comfortable for extended wear. The result is a tailored appliance that stays in place without constant adjustment.
At the fitting appointment the dentist checks how the mouthguard seats over the teeth, makes minor refinements for even contact, and confirms unobstructed breathing and a comfortable bite. For athletes with braces or other dental appliances, the design can be modified to accommodate hardware while still offering protective coverage. Professional fabrication and fitting ensure the guard meets clinical standards for retention and durability.
Yes, athletes with braces, bridges or other restorations can and should wear a mouthguard to protect both their natural teeth and dental work. Custom mouthguards can be designed to fit over orthodontic appliances, offering protection while accommodating brackets and wires. A well-fitted guard reduces the chance of soft-tissue injuries caused by contact with hardware and helps prevent damage to restorations.
Boil-and-bite guards are sometimes used during orthodontic treatment, but they may not adapt perfectly as teeth move and may need to be replaced more often. Regular check-ins with a dental professional ensure the appliance continues to fit safely as treatment progresses. Prioritizing retention and comfort encourages consistent wear throughout therapy.
Rinse the mouthguard before and after each use and clean it periodically with a toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or mild soap. Allow the device to air-dry completely before storing it in a ventilated container to help prevent bacterial growth and unpleasant odors. Avoid exposing the mouthguard to high heat, such as direct sunlight or hot water, which can warp the material and compromise fit.
Inspect the appliance regularly for signs of wear, thinning, tears or changes in shape and follow any cleaning recommendations provided by your dental team. If the guard develops persistent odors or visible damage, discontinue use until it can be evaluated. Proper care extends the life of the device and helps preserve its protective function.
Replace a mouthguard when you notice thinning areas, rips, persistent odor or a change in how it fits. Young athletes may require more frequent replacements as their mouths grow and permanent teeth erupt, and patients undergoing orthodontic treatment will likely need new devices when brackets change or tooth positions shift. Periodic professional evaluations help determine whether the current guard still provides adequate protection.
Even with careful care, materials degrade over time and repeated impacts can reduce protective performance. Establishing a routine schedule to check the appliance helps ensure continuous, reliable protection during practices and games. When in doubt, consult your dental provider for guidance on replacement timing.
Mouthguards primarily protect teeth and soft tissues, but some research indicates they may also help reduce certain forces transmitted to the jaw during impact. By cushioning and distributing blow forces, a properly fitted guard can decrease the likelihood of jaw-related mechanisms that might contribute to concussion. However, evidence is mixed and mouthguards should not be relied upon as a sole concussion-prevention strategy.
Concussion prevention requires a comprehensive approach that includes proper coaching, equipment that meets sport-specific safety standards, and adherence to rules designed to limit dangerous contact. Mouthguards are a valuable component of an overall safety plan because they protect oral structures and may reduce some impact effects, but they should be used alongside other preventive measures.
Select a mouthguard based on the sport’s contact level, the athlete’s age and whether orthodontic or restorative dental conditions exist. High-contact sports typically demand the superior fit and retention of a custom device, while lower-contact activities may permit a boil-and-bite option if convenience is a priority. Always prioritize retention, breathing and speech to ensure the athlete will wear the guard consistently.
Speak with a dental professional to match the device to specific needs such as compatibility with helmets or face shields, the presence of dental appliances, and the intensity of competition. A clinician can recommend materials and designs that balance comfort and protection, helping athletes maintain performance without sacrificing safety.
To obtain a custom mouthguard, schedule an appointment for a dental evaluation and impression so the device can be fabricated to your exact dental anatomy. During your visit the dentist will review activity-specific needs, capture a precise model of the teeth, and discuss material and design options to optimize fit, retention and breathing. The lab-crafted appliance is then adjusted at a follow-up fitting to ensure even contact and comfort during play.
Regular check-ins at the dental office allow the team to monitor fit, especially for growing athletes or patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, and to recommend replacements when necessary. If you have questions about which option best suits your sport or how to care for your appliance, bring those concerns to your appointment for personalized guidance.
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