Sports-related collisions and impacts lead to thousands of dental injuries every year, from chipped or knocked-out teeth to soft-tissue lacerations and jaw trauma. While no single device can eliminate every risk on the field, a properly fitted mouthguard is one of the most effective, proven tools for reducing the likelihood of dental and facial damage during athletic activity. Mouthguards act as a cushion between the teeth and the surrounding structures, dispersing force and helping to prevent direct contact that can cause immediate and long-term oral problems.
Players of contact sports — including football, hockey, lacrosse, and martial arts — face a higher probability of oral injury, but non-contact sports that involve falls or projectile objects, such as skateboarding, cycling, and baseball, also carry risks. For adolescent athletes and children, who still have developing dental arches and may be more vulnerable to accidents, protection is especially important. Coaches, parents, and athletes should view mouthguards as essential safety equipment, similar to helmets and pads, rather than optional accessories.
At Silk Dental Delray Beach (formerly Marc Bilodeau DMD), we emphasize a preventative approach that protects both immediate well-being and long-term oral health. A mouthguard not only shields teeth and gums during play but also minimizes the need for complex restorative work later on. Investing a little time up front to choose the right appliance can save considerable discomfort and protect a lifetime of smiles.
There are three common categories of mouthguards available: stock mouthguards, boil-and-bite models, and dentist-made custom mouthguards. Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and ready-to-wear, offering convenience but often lacking in comfort and secure fit. Boil-and-bite mouthguards, found in many sporting goods stores, become pliable when heated and are then molded over the teeth for a better fit than stock versions. Both of these options can provide basic protection but may compromise speech, breathing, or retention during vigorous activity.
Custom mouthguards made by a dental professional are crafted from precise impressions of an athlete’s teeth and bite pattern. This personalized approach produces a close, comfortable fit that stays in place without excessive bulk, allowing for clearer communication and easier breathing during play. Custom appliances also permit finer control over thickness and material placement, optimizing both protection and comfort for the athlete’s particular sport and position.
For athletes wearing braces or those with unique dental restorations, off-the-shelf options often fail to provide adequate coverage or may even risk damaging orthodontic appliances. In these cases, a custom-fabricated guard designed by a dentist offers superior protection and minimizes the chance of soft-tissue injury caused by brackets or wires. Choosing the right category of mouthguard should always start with an assessment of the player’s dental status, sport type, and personal needs.
The process for creating a custom mouthguard begins with a dental exam and a precise impression or digital scan of the teeth. These records allow the dental laboratory to build an appliance that mirrors the athlete’s bite and contours, producing a snug fit that remains stable during impact. Modern materials balance resilience with flexibility, absorbing and distributing forces while maintaining long-term comfort and durability.
Once the guard is fabricated, the dentist will verify the fit, making fine adjustments to ensure it seats properly, does not interfere with the bite, and allows for natural breathing and speech. A good fit is critical: an ill-fitting guard can shift or dislodge during activity, reducing protection and creating a distraction. Periodic follow-ups ensure the appliance continues to perform as intended, especially for young athletes whose mouths are still growing.
Custom guards can also be tailored for sport-specific demands. For example, a rugby player or boxer may require added thickness in certain areas for enhanced shock absorption, while a swimmer or baseball player might prioritize a sleeker profile for better airway access. Discussing an athlete’s position, intensity level, and comfort preferences with the dental team helps guide these design choices and produce the best outcome for both safety and wearability.
Children and teenagers often need special attention when it comes to mouthguard selection because their mouths change rapidly during growth and orthodontic treatment. Young athletes should receive regular evaluations to confirm that their protective appliance still fits properly; a mouthguard that was well-fitted six months ago may become loose or ill-positioned as teeth erupt or shift. For growing athletes, removable guards that can be updated or replaced with minimal fuss are an important management strategy.
Athletes with braces or fixed dental appliances require guards that protect both the teeth and the orthodontic hardware. A custom mouthguard provides the most predictable protection in these cases by accommodating brackets and wires while reducing the risk of soft-tissue cuts. For patients anticipating orthodontic work, planning ahead with the dental team helps coordinate protection throughout treatment so sporting activities can continue safely.
Coaches and parents should also be aware of sport-specific rules and recommendations. Many school and recreational leagues mandate the use of mouthguards, and some organizations have guidelines that influence the type of guard most appropriate. Open communication with coaches, athletic trainers, and your dental provider ensures that each athlete receives a solution that meets safety standards without compromising performance.
Proper maintenance extends the life and effectiveness of a mouthguard. Rinsing the guard with cool water after each use, gently brushing it with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste or non-abrasive soap, and storing it in a ventilated case to prevent bacterial buildup are simple but essential practices. Avoid exposing the appliance to high heat or leaving it in the sun, as warping can undermine fit and protection.
Even with diligent care, mouthguards are subject to wear and tear. Common signs that an appliance should be replaced include obvious distortion, thinning in high-stress areas, persistent odors that do not respond to cleaning, or new discomfort when worn. For children and adolescents, scheduled checks every few months are recommended, while adult athletes should have their guard inspected annually or whenever a noticeable change occurs.
Keeping a backup guard on hand is also a wise precaution, especially during competition season. With regular professional oversight and sensible at-home care, a custom mouthguard provides dependable protection that supports both safety and performance across many athletic seasons.
In summary, a properly chosen and maintained mouthguard is a frontline defense against sports-related dental and facial injuries. For individualized recommendations and a custom-fit appliance tailored to your needs, contact us to learn more about how we can help protect your smile.
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