What Is a Sports Mouthguard?
A sports mouthguard is a protective appliance worn over your teeth during physical activity. It cushions impact to the mouth and jaw, helping to prevent broken, chipped, or knocked-out teeth, as well as injuries to the lips, tongue, and soft tissues.
A well-made mouthguard absorbs and spreads the force of a blow, which reduces the chance of damage to your teeth and the structures that support them.
Why Choose a Custom Mouthguard?
You can buy stock or “boil-and-bite” mouthguards at most sporting goods stores, but they come with real drawbacks. They tend to be bulky, fit loosely, and can make it harder to breathe and speak, which is why many athletes end up not wearing them.
A custom mouthguard is made from a precise impression or scan of your teeth. That means:
- A secure, comfortable fit that stays in place
- Better protection tailored to your bite
- Easier breathing and speaking during play
- A guard that’s more likely to actually be worn
- Greater durability over a season
Because a mouthguard only protects you if you wear it, comfort and fit make a genuine difference.
Who Needs a Sports Mouthguard?
A mouthguard is worth considering for anyone playing a sport where contact or falls are possible. That includes:
- Contact sports such as hockey, football, rugby, martial arts, and boxing
- Sports with impact or collision risk such as basketball, soccer, and lacrosse
- Activities with fall risk such as skateboarding, mountain biking, and gymnastics
Children and teens are especially good candidates, since a mouth injury at a young age can affect developing teeth. If your child plays organized sports, a custom guard is a smart investment in protecting their smile.
Mouthguards for Children and Teens
Young athletes are active, competitive, and still developing, which makes protecting their teeth especially important. A mouth injury to a child can have lasting effects on their adult teeth and may require ongoing treatment.
Because children’s mouths change as they grow, a custom mouthguard may need to be updated periodically to keep fitting well. We’ll let you know what to expect and help keep your child protected as they grow.
How We Make Your Custom Mouthguard
Assessment
We check your teeth and talk through your sport and level of activity, so your guard suits your needs.
Impression or Scan
We take a precise impression or scan of your teeth, which is used to make a guard that fits your mouth exactly.
Fitting
When your custom mouthguard is ready, we check the fit and comfort, make any adjustments, and show you how to care for it.
Sports Guards and Night Guards Are Not the Same
It’s easy to mix these up, but a sports guard and a night guard do different jobs. A sports guard protects against impact during physical activity. A night guard protects your teeth from grinding and clenching during sleep. They’re made differently and aren’t interchangeable, so if you need protection for both, you’ll want a separate guard for each.
Caring for Your Mouthguard
A well-cared-for mouthguard lasts longer and stays hygienic:
- Rinse it before and after each use
- Clean it regularly with a toothbrush and mild soap or as we advise
- Store it in a ventilated case, away from heat
- Keep it out of direct sunlight and hot cars, which can warp it
- Bring it to your dental visits so we can check its fit and condition
Replace it if it becomes worn, or as your child’s mouth grows
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a custom mouthguard better than a store-bought one?
A custom guard is made from an impression of your teeth, so it fits securely and comfortably. That makes it easier to breathe, speak, and keep in during play, and it offers better, more reliable protection than a bulky off-the-shelf guard.
Does my child need a mouthguard for sports?
If your child plays a sport with contact, impact, or fall risk, a mouthguard is a worthwhile way to protect their teeth. Mouth injuries at a young age can affect developing teeth, so protection matters.
How long does a sports mouthguard last?
With good care, a custom mouthguard can last a season or more. Children’s guards may need replacing sooner as their mouths grow, and any guard should be replaced if it becomes worn or no longer fits well.
Can I wear a mouthguard with braces?
Yes, and it’s especially important to protect both your teeth and your orthodontic work during sports. Let us know if you have braces and we’ll make a guard suited to them.
How do I clean my mouthguard?
Rinse it before and after use, clean it regularly with a toothbrush and mild soap, and store it in a ventilated case away from heat. Bring it to your dental visits so we can check its condition.
Is a sports guard the same as a night guard?
No. A sports guard protects against impact during activity, while a night guard protects against grinding during sleep. They’re made differently and aren’t interchangeable.
Protect Your Smile on the Field
Whether it’s for you or your young athlete, a custom mouthguard is a simple way to guard against sports injuries. Request an appointment at Shaughnessy Square Dental Centre, Monday through Saturday.