Sports-related facial and dental injuries are common across many activities, from youth leagues to adult recreational play. A single blow to the mouth can cause chipped or knocked-out teeth, soft-tissue lacerations, jaw fractures, and damage to dental work that may require complex treatment. Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce the likelihood of these outcomes and to protect the long-term health of your smile.
Mouthguards create a resilient barrier that sits between the teeth and the surrounding tissues. By absorbing and dispersing impact forces, a guard helps keep teeth aligned and cushions the lips, cheeks, and tongue from direct trauma. While no protective device can eliminate all risk, consistent mouthguard use substantially lowers the chance of oral injury during practices and games.
Beyond injury prevention, mouthguards can preserve the integrity of existing dental work and orthodontic appliances, minimizing the need for urgent repairs after a collision. For parents, coaches, and athletes who want to minimize interruptions to sport and school schedules, a mouthguard is a practical, preventive investment in oral health and continuity of daily life.
There are three common categories of mouthguards available: stock (ready-to-wear), boil-and-bite, and custom-fabricated. Stock guards are pre-formed and come in a limited range of sizes; they are inexpensive and easy to obtain but often fit poorly and can interfere with breathing and speech. Boil-and-bite guards are molded at home after softening them in hot water; they provide a better fit than stock options but still vary in comfort and protection depending on technique and the shape of the wearer’s mouth.
Custom mouthguards are made by a dental professional to fit the exact contours of an individual’s teeth and bite. These are fabricated from impressions or digital scans and provide the most precise fit, retention, and comfort. Because they sit more securely, custom guards are less likely to shift during play, which improves both safety and performance. Many athletes who wear mouthguards regularly prefer custom options for their combination of protection and convenience.
Choosing the right type of guard depends on factors such as the level of contact in the sport, whether the athlete wears braces or other dental appliances, and personal comfort. For high-contact or collision sports, or for athletes with orthodontic work, a custom-fitted guard offers superior protection. For lower-risk activities, a well-molded boil-and-bite may be an acceptable choice when used correctly.
When you opt for a custom mouthguard, the process begins with an assessment of bite, tooth alignment, and any restorative or orthodontic considerations. A dentist or trained team member will take an impression of the upper (and sometimes lower) teeth or capture a digital scan. These records guide the fabrication process to ensure the guard follows the exact anatomy of the mouth and does not disrupt healthy function.
Laboratory technicians then construct the mouthguard from durable materials selected for shock absorption and long-term wear. The thickness and layering are tailored to the athlete’s needs—thicker zones can be incorporated to protect vulnerable teeth, while thinner areas preserve comfort and ease of breathing. Because the guide is crafted to the patient’s mouth, it offers a balance of retention, stability, and minimal interference with speech.
Custom guards also accommodate special situations, such as braces, implants, or extensive dental restorations. For athletes undergoing orthodontic treatment, a custom design can be adjusted regularly to fit changing tooth positions, helping protect both the appliance and the teeth beneath. The end result is a protective device that feels natural, stays in place, and performs reliably in real-world activity.
A mouthguard is only protective if it fits well and is maintained properly. After initial fitting, athletes should perform a quick daily check: ensure the guard sits snugly without pinching, that breathing and speaking are not unduly restricted, and that there are no cracks or deformations. If the guard shifts during use or feels abrasive, return to your dental team for an adjustment or replacement recommendation.
Cleaning a mouthguard is straightforward but important. Rinse the device with cool water after each use and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or mild soap. Avoid hot water and prolonged exposure to sunlight or heat, which can warp the material. Store the guard in a ventilated case to allow drying and to reduce bacterial buildup between uses.
Inspect the guard regularly for signs of wear—thinning, tears, or rough edges—and replace it if damage appears. Children and adolescents will require more frequent updates due to growth and tooth movement; athletes who clench or grind may also need replacements sooner. Periodic professional evaluations at dental visits help confirm that the guard continues to fit properly and provide optimal protection.
Athletes with braces or other orthodontic appliances need mouthguards designed to protect both the teeth and the hardware. Standard stock guards can press against brackets and wires, increasing risk of injury, so custom or specially designed orthodontic guards are preferred. These guards offer extra space and cushioning to reduce irritation and the chance of appliance damage during contact.
Some sports present unique challenges: ball sports and stick sports carry risks from fast-moving projectiles, while wrestling and football involve frequent person-to-person collisions. In choosing a mouthguard, consider the typical forces and patterns of impact in your sport and select a design that prioritizes coverage and retention in those scenarios. Coaches and athletic trainers can help reinforce consistent use during practice as well as games.
Finally, young athletes should be encouraged to wear mouthguards as part of their routine protective equipment, just like helmets and pads. Establishing that habit early reduces complacency and makes protection second nature. For adult athletes, a well-fitting guard can extend the lifespan of dental work and minimize disruptions caused by preventable injuries, supporting both health and athletic performance.
In summary, a quality mouthguard is a practical, evidence-based tool for reducing dental and facial injuries in sports. Whether choosing a ready-made option or investing in a custom device, prioritize fit, comfort, and regular inspection to ensure ongoing protection. If you’d like personalized guidance or a custom fitting, our team in Corvallis can evaluate your needs and recommend the best approach for your sport and dental situation. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an evaluation with our office.
A sports mouthguard is a removable protective appliance made from flexible, impact-absorbing materials that fits over the teeth and gums. It is designed to cushion blows to the face and mouth and to reduce the chance of broken teeth, soft tissue lacerations, and other dental trauma. Mouthguards most commonly cover the upper teeth but can be fabricated to protect both arches when necessary.
Well‑fitted mouthguards also help stabilize the jaw and distribute forces that would otherwise concentrate on individual teeth or dental work. They are used across many contact and noncontact sports where collisions, falls, or projectiles pose a risk to the mouth and face. Choosing the right style and fit is important to maximize comfort and protection during play.
Beyond protecting teeth and soft tissue, a properly fitting mouthguard can provide psychological benefits by increasing an athlete's confidence and allowing them to focus on performance rather than fear of injury. Many leagues, teams and schools require mouthguards for certain sports, and using one is a simple preventive step that supports long-term oral health.
There are three main categories of mouthguards: stock (ready to wear), boil-and-bite, and custom-made by a dental professional. Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and generally provide the least reliable fit and protection, while boil-and-bite options offer an improved fit by softening the material in hot water and molding it over the teeth. Custom mouthguards are individually fabricated from impressions or digital scans and provide the best fit, comfort and protection.
Each type has trade-offs between convenience, comfort and performance, and the best choice depends on the sport, the player’s anatomy and any existing dental work or orthodontic appliances. For athletes who require maximum protection, better breathing and clear speech during play, a custom mouthguard is often the preferred solution. Your dental team can recommend the most appropriate style for your needs.
The custom mouthguard process typically begins with an evaluation of your bite and any dental appliances you wear, followed by an impression or digital intraoral scan of your teeth. Those records are sent to a dental laboratory where technicians fabricate the mouthguard using layered, impact‑resistant materials to achieve the right balance of comfort and protection. The result is a device tailored to your mouth, occlusion and activity level.
After fabrication, you return to the office for a fit check and any necessary adjustments to ensure stable retention and even contact with the teeth. Your dentist will verify that the mouthguard allows normal breathing and speech and does not interfere with athletic performance. Periodic follow-up is recommended to address wear, changes in the bite or growth in younger athletes.
Custom mouthguards are recommended for athletes in contact and collision sports, individuals who participate in high‑velocity or projectile sports, and anyone with prior dental restorations such as crowns, bridges or implants. They are especially helpful for people with unique dental anatomy, uneven bites or those who wear braces, since off‑the‑shelf options may not provide sufficient protection or fit. Competitive athletes and those seeking maximum comfort and performance benefit most from a custom device.
Young athletes and children who are still growing may also need bespoke solutions at certain stages to accommodate orthodontic changes and jaw development. Patients with a history of oral injury, a tendency to clench or grind, or who require specialized coverage for the lower arch should discuss custom fabrication with their dentist. A tailored mouthguard addresses specific needs while minimizing interference with play.
Proper care helps preserve the integrity and hygiene of a mouthguard and reduces the risk of oral infection. Rinse the mouthguard with cool water after each use, gently clean it with a soft toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste or mild soap, and allow it to air dry completely before storing it in a ventilated case. Avoid exposing the device to high heat, direct sunlight or hot water, which can warp the material and compromise fit.
Regularly inspect your mouthguard for signs of wear, thinning, tearing or changes in fit, and replace it if any damage is present or after a significant impact. Store the mouthguard in its case between uses to protect it from dirt and pets, and bring it to dental visits so your provider can evaluate its condition. Good maintenance extends useful life and helps ensure reliable protection.
Mouthguards are effective at protecting teeth and soft tissues, and they can help reduce some types of jaw forces that may contribute to head injury, but they are not a proven means of preventing concussions. Concussions are complex brain injuries caused by rapid acceleration, deceleration or rotational forces to the head and can occur even when a mouthguard is worn. Scientific evidence to date shows mixed results regarding the role mouthguards play in concussion prevention.
That said, a well‑fitted mouthguard can reduce the risk of jaw fractures and may mitigate certain impact pathways that transfer force to the skull. Because they offer other clear oral protections and do not impede performance, mouthguards remain an important component of sports safety. Athletes and coaches should combine mouthguard use with proper helmets, training, and rules enforcement to reduce concussion risk.
The lifespan of a mouthguard depends on the type, frequency of use and the athlete’s bite and habits. Stock and boil-and-bite guards generally wear out faster and may need replacement within months, while higher‑quality custom mouthguards can last one to several seasons with proper care. Children and adolescents typically require more frequent replacement because of dental development and changes in arch size.
Signs that a mouthguard needs replacement include visible wear, holes, thinning, persistent odors that cannot be cleaned, or a change in fit after a blow to the mouth. Replace a mouthguard immediately if it becomes damaged or uncomfortable, and have your dentist evaluate the device during routine visits to determine whether a new appliance is indicated.
Yes, children and athletes with braces can and should wear mouthguards to protect teeth, soft tissues and orthodontic appliances from injury. Standard stock guards often do not accommodate braces comfortably or safely, and boil‑and‑bite options may not provide adequate protection without risk of distortion. A custom or specially designed orthodontic mouthguard offers space for brackets and wires while maintaining effective coverage and retention.
When treating young athletes, dentists consider growth and ongoing orthodontic adjustments to recommend the best timing and type of mouthguard. For those with fixed appliances, a custom guard minimizes abrasion to soft tissues and reduces the chance of appliance damage during play. Regular rechecks with your orthodontist or dentist will ensure the guard remains protective as treatment progresses.
To obtain a custom mouthguard at Sunset Dental, schedule a consultation at our Corvallis office so the team can evaluate your oral health, discuss your sport and review any dental work or orthodontic needs. We will take impressions or a digital scan of your teeth and create a plan for the appropriate thickness and coverage based on your activity level and bite. Those records are used to fabricate a personalized mouthguard with durable, impact‑resistant materials for optimal protection and comfort.
After fabrication you will return for a fit appointment to verify retention, breathing and speech and to allow for any fine adjustments. The office will provide care and storage instructions and recommend follow‑up checks to monitor wear, especially for growing athletes. If you play contact sports or have questions about protection, contact our team to arrange an evaluation and discuss the best mouthguard option for your needs.
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