Every year millions of cases of dental and facial injuries occur as the result of sport-related trauma. While all sports have some risk of oral injury, it is especially prevalent in recreational activities that involve frequent body contact with other players or the ground, as well as the possibility of being struck by other objects such as, balls, bats, or sticks.
One way to significantly reduce the risk of damage to your teeth, cheeks, lips, tongue, face, or jaw as the result of a sports-related injury is to wear a mouthguard. A mouthguard is a removable appliance made of a sturdy plastic that sits comfortably over your teeth. Typically, mouthguards are designed to cover just the top teeth but may also be fabricated to include the lower teeth as well depending on your particular situation. Individuals who wear braces or have some types of dental work may require a specific type of mouthguard that provides more coverage.
There are three types of sports mouthguards on the market, including pre-formed and ready to wear stock mouthguards, boil and bite mouthguards, and custom mouthguards fabricated by your dentist. Our office will help you to select just the right sports mouthguard to protect your smile. While the first two choices offer some level of protection, the best and most comfortable mouthguards to safeguard your smile are the ones individually designed and customized by your dentist.
Sports mouthguards are removable appliances made from resilient materials that fit over the teeth to absorb and distribute impact forces. They protect hard and soft oral tissues, including teeth, lips, cheeks, tongue and the supporting jaw structures from direct blows and collisions. By reducing the force transmitted to the teeth and jaw, mouthguards help lower the risk of fractures, avulsions and soft tissue injuries.
Wearing a mouthguard also helps reduce the chance of more complex injuries such as jaw fractures and certain concussion mechanisms related to direct facial impact. Mouthguards are recommended for many contact and collision sports as part of routine protective equipment. Proper use and fit are essential for a mouthguard to perform effectively during play.
There are three main categories of sports mouthguards: stock (ready-to-wear), boil-and-bite and custom-fabricated mouthguards made by a dental professional. Stock guards are preformed and offer basic protection, while boil-and-bite models are softened in hot water and then molded around the teeth for an improved fit. Custom mouthguards are individually made from impressions or digital scans and are tailored for fit, thickness and patient needs.
The choice of mouthguard depends on the athlete's age, the sport, dental appliances like braces, and personal comfort needs. While stock and boil-and-bite options provide some protection, custom mouthguards typically deliver a better fit, improved retention and more consistent coverage. A dentist can recommend the best type based on clinical factors and the level of play.
Custom mouthguards are fabricated from precise dental impressions or digital scans and are constructed to match the exact contours of an individual’s teeth and soft tissues. This tailored fit provides superior retention and reduces movement during activity, which improves protection and comfort compared with off-the-shelf alternatives. Custom devices also allow for calibrated thickness in high-impact areas to balance shock absorption and breathability.
Boil-and-bite guards can offer a better fit than stock models but are limited by the materials and molding process, which can create inconsistent thickness and gaps. Stock guards are the least adaptable and may interfere with breathing and speech if they do not fit well. For athletes with specific needs—including those who clench, grind, or have orthodontic appliances—a custom mouthguard is often the most appropriate clinical option.
Athletes of all ages who participate in contact, collision or recreational activities with a risk of facial impact should consider wearing a mouthguard. Common sports that benefit from mouthguard use include football, hockey, basketball, lacrosse, wrestling and many forms of skateboarding and cycling. Youth athletes are especially vulnerable because developing teeth and jaws can be more easily damaged during play.
Individuals who participate in noncontact sports may also benefit from mouthguards if they are exposed to projectiles or falls, such as in gymnastics or mountain biking. Coaches, parents and athletes should evaluate the risk of oral injury for each activity and select protective equipment accordingly. Consultation with a dental professional can help determine whether a mouthguard is recommended for a specific sport or situation.
Yes, people with braces, fixed bridges, implants or other dental appliances can wear mouthguards, but their needs are different from those without dental work. Orthodontic appliances create additional sharp edges and mobility risks, so a mouthguard designed to accommodate brackets and wires is important to prevent soft tissue injury and protect both the appliance and the teeth. In many cases a thicker or specially shaped guard is recommended to ensure comprehensive coverage and to avoid interference with orthodontic treatment.
A dental professional can fabricate a custom mouthguard or recommend a boil-and-bite option modified for appliances, depending on the situation and the stage of orthodontic treatment. Regular adjustments and periodic checks are necessary as teeth move during orthodontic care to maintain a secure fit. Patients with complex restorative work should consult their dentist to select a mouthguard that protects both the restorations and surrounding tissues.
Proper care extends the life of a mouthguard and helps prevent bacterial buildup. After each use, rinse the mouthguard under cool running water and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste or mild soap to remove saliva and debris. Allow the device to air dry completely before storing it in a ventilated container to discourage microbial growth.
In addition to daily cleaning, inspect the mouthguard regularly for signs of wear, cracks or distortion that could compromise protection. Avoid exposing the guard to high heat, direct sunlight or chewing forces that can change its fit. Bring the mouthguard to dental visits so your provider can check its condition and fit during routine exams.
The lifespan of a mouthguard depends on the materials, frequency of use, care and the age of the athlete. For growing children and adolescents, mouthguards may need replacement more frequently because jaw and tooth positions change as they mature. Adult athletes may get longer service from a well-cared-for custom mouthguard, but regular inspection is still important.
Replace a mouthguard if it becomes warped, develops cracks, loses shape or no longer fits tightly over the teeth. Also replace the device if it causes new soreness, interferes with breathing or shows permanent compression from repeated impacts. When in doubt, have a dental professional evaluate the appliance to determine whether fabrication of a new guard is recommended.
At the office of Zen Dentistry, custom mouthguards begin with a clinical assessment of the athlete’s teeth, bite and any existing dental appliances. The clinician then records an accurate impression using conventional materials or a digital intraoral scan, which captures the exact anatomy of the teeth and surrounding tissues. Those records are used to fabricate a mouthguard in a dental laboratory or with in-office milling/thermoforming equipment so the final device matches the patient precisely.
After fabrication, the dentist tries the appliance in the mouth, making any necessary trim or adjustment to optimize retention, comfort and function. The clinician will also provide instructions on how to wear, clean and store the mouthguard, and will schedule follow-up checks as needed. This process ensures a personalized fit that addresses the patient’s specific protection and performance needs.
A properly fitted mouthguard should minimize interference with breathing and speech while providing protection. Custom-fitted guards are designed to balance material thickness and contour so the athlete can breathe comfortably through the mouth and speak effectively when needed. Poorly fitting stock or overly bulky devices are more likely to obstruct airflow and impair communication during activity.
When selecting a mouthguard, consider breathability and retention as primary factors, especially for endurance sports or activities where communication is critical. If an athlete notices labored breathing or persistent speech difficulty, the mouthguard should be evaluated and adjusted by a dental professional. Periodic checks and refinements can help maintain both safety and performance on the field.
Our Park Slope office offers clinical guidance to match an athlete’s needs with the appropriate type of mouthguard and fit. We review the sport-specific risks, any dental appliances or restorations, and performance considerations to recommend a suitable solution that balances protection, comfort and breathability. For many athletes, a custom-fabricated guard provides the best combination of retention and consistent coverage, but we will discuss all viable options.
If you have questions about mouthguard selection, fitting or care, schedule a consultation so a dentist can perform an exam and demonstrate fitting techniques. Routine follow-up allows us to monitor fit as a child grows or as dental work changes, ensuring ongoing protection. We aim to help athletes of all ages use mouthguards effectively to reduce oral injury risk during sports and recreation.
