Participation in sports brings many benefits — improved fitness, teamwork, and confidence — but it also comes with a risk of oral injury. A single blow to the mouth can fracture a tooth, tear soft tissue, or cause damage to the jaw that affects function and appearance. Beyond the immediate pain and inconvenience, untreated dental traumas can lead to longer-term complications that require complex care. A properly fitted mouthguard is one of the simplest, most effective defenses against those outcomes.
Mouthguards do more than protect teeth. They cushion blows to the lips, cheeks, and tongue, helping reduce cuts and bruises inside the mouth. For athletes who wear braces or restorative dental work, a mouthguard also acts as a barrier that prevents metal brackets from cutting soft tissues and limits movement that could dislodge dental appliances. In short, wearing a mouthguard reduces the chance that a minor incident becomes a major dental problem.
Because injuries can occur during both practice and competition, wearing protection consistently is essential. Many schools and clubs now require mouthguards for contact sports because evidence shows they lower injury rates. For athletes who care about performance and long-term oral health, mouthguards are an investment in safety and continuity of play.
There are three common categories of sports mouthguards: stock, boil-and-bite, and custom-made. Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and ready to wear straight from the package. They offer basic protection but often fit poorly and can interfere with breathing or speaking. For casual, low-contact activities they may be better than no protection at all, but their loose fit limits effectiveness for more active athletes.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are a step up from stock models. Made from thermoplastic, they soften in hot water and are then molded around the teeth by the user. This process can provide a better fit than stock guards, and many athletes find them comfortable enough for regular use. However, the quality of the fit depends on how carefully the guard is molded, and they may not accommodate unique dental situations like extensive restorations or orthodontic appliances.
Custom mouthguards are crafted by dental professionals using impressions or digital scans of an athlete’s mouth. Because they are tailored to an individual’s anatomy, custom guards deliver the best combination of fit, comfort, and protection. They allow for precise thickness where impact absorption is most needed, and can be adjusted to account for braces, implants, or other dental work. For athletes who compete regularly, play contact sports, or simply want the highest standard of protection, custom guards are the recommended choice.
Each type has a role depending on the sport, frequency of play, and dental situation. A thoughtful selection process — ideally guided by a dental professional — helps match the right guard to the athlete’s needs while maximizing comfort and safety.
Custom-fitted mouthguards begin with an accurate impression or a digital scan of the teeth. This record enables the dental lab to create a protective appliance that conforms closely to the contours of the mouth. Because the fit is precise, custom guards stay in place better during high-impact movements and allow for easier breathing and communication — important factors for athletes performing at their best.
Precision-fit guards also provide predictable protection. The dentist can specify areas of increased thickness to absorb shock where it’s needed most, while keeping other zones streamlined for comfort. This targeted approach helps reduce the risk of tooth fractures and soft-tissue injuries, and it minimizes the chance that the guard will shift during play, which could otherwise create distractions or compromise safety.
Certain athletes benefit especially from custom guards: those with braces or fixed prosthetics, players with uneven tooth alignment, and anyone who has experienced previous sports-related dental trauma. Young athletes undergoing orthodontic treatment can also use custom appliances designed to accommodate brackets and wires while still offering protection. A consultation with our team can identify the best plan for your mouth and sport.
Fit is the foundation of an effective mouthguard. It should feel snug without causing excessive pressure, allow comfortable breathing and clear speech, and remain stable during movement. If a guard causes gagging, severe discomfort, or persistent soreness, it’s a sign that adjustment or a different type of appliance is needed. For children, periodic checks are important, since growth and dental development can change how a guard fits.
Proper care extends the life and performance of any mouthguard. Rinse the appliance with cool water after use, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste or mild soap, and store it in a ventilated case to discourage bacterial growth. Avoid hot water, which can warp thermoplastic guards, and keep the guard away from direct sunlight or high heat sources. Regular inspection for tears, thinning, or distortion will help you know when replacement is necessary for continued protection.
For athletes with braces or dental restorations, it is especially important to clean the guard thoroughly to remove food debris and bacteria that could aggravate sensitive areas. If you notice changes in fit, signs of wear, or any pain associated with the appliance, schedule an evaluation so adjustments or a new fabrication can be made promptly.
Routine follow-up with a dental professional ensures the mouthguard continues to meet functional and safety needs. During checkups, your dentist can assess fit, recommend repairs or replacement, and provide guidance on proper hygiene and storage practices specific to your appliance.
Mouthguards are most commonly recommended for contact and collision sports such as football, hockey, lacrosse, boxing, and martial arts, but they also have a place in many other activities where falls or impacts are possible — think basketball, soccer, skateboarding, and mountain biking. Wearing protection during both practices and games is important, since most dental injuries occur during routine drills rather than rare, high-profile events.
Age and developmental stage matter when planning protection. For younger athletes, guards need to balance protection with growth accommodation; for adults, the focus is on maintaining effective shock absorption and comfort. Athletes who wear removable orthodontic appliances should consult with their dentist before selecting a guard, as certain designs can interfere with braces or require specialized fabrication to protect both teeth and orthodontic hardware.
Beyond sporting considerations, some athletes choose guards with additional features — for example, thinner profiles for less bulk, or breathability channels that facilitate airflow. While personal preference plays a role, choices should always prioritize safety and fit over aesthetics. When in doubt, consultation with a dental professional can clarify which features are appropriate for your activity and mouth.
At Lesley Holloway the Dentist, we help athletes of all ages choose and maintain mouthguards that support performance and protect oral health. If you’d like guidance on the best option for your sport, dental profile, or training routine, please contact us for more information.
A sports mouthguard is a flexible appliance worn over the teeth to absorb and distribute impact forces that would otherwise strike teeth and jaws. It helps protect against fractured or displaced teeth, cuts to the lips and cheeks, and trauma to the jaw joint. By providing a resilient barrier, a mouthguard reduces the chance that a single blow becomes a complex dental emergency.
Mouthguards also cushion the tongue and soft tissues, lowering the likelihood of lacerations during contact. For athletes with restorations, implants, or orthodontic appliances, a properly fitted guard prevents hardware from contacting soft tissue or becoming dislodged. Wearing protection consistently during practices and games is key to maintaining oral health and avoiding interruptions to play.
There are three common categories of mouthguards: stock, boil-and-bite, and custom-made appliances. Stock guards come preformed and are the least adaptable, often leading to poor fit and impaired breathing or speech. Boil-and-bite guards are thermoplastic and can be molded at home for an improved fit, but results vary with technique and anatomy.
Custom mouthguards are fabricated from impressions or digital scans and provide the most precise fit, comfort, and protection. They allow the dentist or lab to adjust thickness where impact absorption is needed while preserving ease of breathing and communication. For athletes who train frequently, play contact sports, or have dental work, custom guards are the preferred option for performance and safety.
Custom-fitted mouthguards begin with a detailed record of the mouth, either from an impression or a digital scan, so the appliance matches tooth and gum contours exactly. A precise fit reduces unwanted movement, improves retention during high-energy activity, and makes breathing and speaking easier. Because the material can be layered and shaped intentionally, the guard can absorb impact where it matters most without adding unnecessary bulk.
Custom guards are also easier to adjust when dental changes occur, such as new restorations or orthodontic movement, which helps maintain protection over time. They are typically more durable and comfortable than over-the-counter options, encouraging consistent use among athletes. For competitive players and those with special dental needs, the tailored performance and reliability of a custom guard can make a meaningful difference.
Athletes with braces, bridges, crowns, implants, or a history of dental trauma are prime candidates for a custom mouthguard because off-the-shelf guards may not protect or accommodate their dental work adequately. Young athletes undergoing orthodontic treatment need appliances designed to avoid pressure on brackets while still offering shock absorption. Players in contact or collision sports should also consider custom options for superior fit and reduced risk of injury.
Coaches, parents, and athletes should consult a dental professional to determine the best solution when a player has unique dental anatomy or prior injuries. Children require periodic refitting as they grow, and adults should have guards evaluated after any major dental treatment or significant wear. A personalized assessment helps match guard type, thickness, and design to both the sport and the individual’s oral condition.
Rinse your mouthguard with cool water after every use and clean it daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or nonabrasive toothpaste to remove bacteria and debris. Avoid hot water and direct sunlight, which can warp thermoplastic materials, and always allow the guard to dry before storing it. Store the mouthguard in a ventilated case to discourage microbial growth and prevent damage when not in use. Regular cleaning and proper storage extend the life of the appliance and help protect oral tissues.
Inspect the guard before each use for tears, thinning, or distortion, and discontinue use if you notice significant damage. If the mouthguard begins to feel loose, causes soreness, or no longer fits as it once did, schedule an evaluation so the appliance can be adjusted or replaced. Routine dental visits are an opportunity for your dentist to check fit and hygiene and make recommendations specific to your guard type.
Mouthguards are recommended for contact and collision sports such as football, hockey, lacrosse, boxing, and martial arts, but they also protect athletes in activities where falls and blows are possible, including basketball, soccer, skateboarding, and cycling. Because many injuries occur during routine drills and practices, wearing a mouthguard consistently—not only during competition—reduces overall risk. Coaches and programs increasingly require guards to promote player safety and to minimize the likelihood of avoidable dental injuries.
When deciding on a mouthguard, consider the specific demands of the sport, including the likelihood of direct facial contact and the need for clear speech and breathing. Some athletes prefer a thinner profile or added airflow features to support performance, but comfort and fit should never be sacrificed for aesthetics. A dental professional can help select or modify a guard to balance protection, performance, and the athlete’s personal needs.
Orthodontic appliances like braces increase the risk of soft-tissue cuts and bracket damage during impact, so a mouthguard is especially important while orthodontic treatment is in place. Stock guards usually do not fit well over brackets, and boil-and-bite models may not provide reliable protection or comfort for orthodontic patients. Custom guards can be designed with extra space or special construction to accommodate wires and brackets while still delivering effective shock absorption.
For people with crowns, bridges, implants, or removable prosthetics, a well-fitting mouthguard helps protect both natural teeth and restorations from sudden forces that can cause fractures or loosening. Your dentist can recommend materials and designs that minimize movement of restorations and reduce the risk of damage during play. Regular dental follow-up ensures that the guard remains compatible with any changes to the mouth.
The functional lifespan of a mouthguard varies with material, frequency of use, and how well it is maintained, but wear patterns and damage are the primary signals it is time for replacement. Children often need new guards more frequently as their jaws and teeth change during growth, while adult athletes may replace guards after significant wear or after sustaining a heavy impact. Visible thinning, holes, persistent deformation, or a loose fit are clear reasons to stop using a guard until it can be repaired or remade.
Do not attempt to reshape a warped guard with heat at home; instead, bring it to your dental office for assessment so that any needed repairs or a new fabrication can be made safely. Keeping a maintenance schedule and having your dentist check the guard during routine visits helps ensure protection is continuous and effective. If in doubt about fit or integrity, a professional evaluation is the safest course of action.
Mouthguards are primarily designed to protect teeth and soft tissues and to reduce the severity of oral injuries during impact. Some studies suggest that certain mouthguards can attenuate forces transferred to the jaw and skull, but the scientific evidence is mixed and does not conclusively show that any mouthguard prevents concussion. Because concussions result from complex brain movements rather than solely direct dental trauma, head-protection strategies should include properly fitted helmets and sport-specific safety protocols in addition to dental protection.
If reducing overall head and facial injury risk is a priority, choose a mouthguard with a precise fit and appropriate material thickness as part of a broader safety plan. Discuss performance goals and protective needs with a dental professional and the team’s medical staff to ensure equipment is coordinated and effective. A well-fitted guard contributes to overall player safety but should not be relied on as the only method of concussion prevention.
The typical process for obtaining a custom mouthguard begins with a consultation to review the athlete’s dental history, the demands of the sport, and any special considerations such as braces or restorative work. Your dentist will record an impression or take a digital scan to capture an accurate model of the teeth and bite relationship. This information guides the laboratory or in-office fabrication so the finished appliance matches the mouth precisely.
At Lesley Holloway the Dentist, custom mouthguards are fitted and adjusted for comfort and retention, and patients receive care instructions for cleaning and storage to maximize longevity. Follow-up appointments allow fine-tuning of fit and provide an opportunity to reassess the guard after any dental treatment or significant wear. This structured approach ensures athletes receive a reliable, comfortable guard that supports both safety and performance.
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