Participation in contact and non-contact sports carries an inherent risk to the mouth and face. Collisions with other players, falls, and impacts from equipment such as balls or sticks can result in chipped or knocked-out teeth, lacerated soft tissues, and jaw injuries. For many athletes — from youth leagues to recreational adults — a single moment on the field can lead to long-term dental problems that affect appearance, comfort, and oral function.
Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard is one of the simplest, most effective steps an athlete can take to lower the likelihood of those outcomes. Mouthguards act as a resilient buffer, helping to distribute and absorb force away from teeth, gums, and the jaw. Beyond preventing tooth damage, they also reduce soft-tissue injuries to the lips, cheeks, and tongue that commonly occur during athletic activity.
Because every sport and every athlete is different, protection should be matched to the activity and the mouth. Coaches, parents, and athletes benefit from understanding the varieties of mouthguards and how a tailored fit can increase comfort and compliance — two key factors in ensuring this protective gear is worn consistently when it matters most.
Sports mouthguards are available in three main forms: stock, boil-and-bite, and custom-fitted models. Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and ready to wear right out of the package. They require no fitting, but their generic shape often offers limited retention and can interfere with breathing or speech. These are best as an emergency stopgap rather than a long-term solution for regular players.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are made from thermoplastic material that softens in hot water and then is molded around the teeth by the wearer. This approach provides a better fit than stock models and is widely used for recreational athletes. However, the quality of the fit depends on how carefully the guard is shaped and how well the wearer follows the instructions, and it may not accommodate orthodontic appliances.
Custom-fitted mouthguards are created by a dental professional. Using either a digital scan or an impression of the athlete’s teeth, a lab fabricates a guard to match the individual contours of the mouth. This method produces superior fit, retention, and comfort. For athletes with braces, bridges, or other specialized dental work, custom options offer the best protection because they can be designed to account for those conditions.
Choosing the right type involves balancing convenience, protection needs, and how often the guard will be used. For casual play, a well-fitted boil-and-bite guard may suffice. For competitive athletes, individuals with dental restorations, or those seeking maximum comfort and performance, a custom solution is often the preferred choice.
Amouthguard that is crafted to the individual’s mouth provides several clear advantages. First, a precise fit maximizes coverage of teeth and soft tissues while minimizing bulk, which improves speech and breathing during activity. Athletes are far more likely to keep a comfortable mouthguard in place for the duration of play, which directly increases the protection it provides.
Custom guards also offer improved durability and consistent shock absorption compared with off-the-shelf alternatives. Because they are fabricated from higher-grade materials and designed to distribute forces efficiently, they can reduce the likelihood of tooth fractures, dislodgements, and soft-tissue cuts. In many situations they will also withstand repeated impacts better than stock or boil-and-bite models.
Another practical benefit is ease of care. A well-fitted guard is simpler to clean and less prone to trapping food particles or bacteria. Whether an athlete competes several times per week or plays occasionally, the combination of comfort, retention, and maintenance makes custom guards an appealing long-term investment in oral health and performance.
When a patient opts for a custom-fitted mouthguard, the process begins with a focused dental evaluation to identify any special considerations, such as braces, crowns, or a history of clenching or grinding. The clinician will assess how the upper and lower teeth come together, the shape of the dental arches, and any existing oral appliances to determine the most appropriate design and thickness of the guard.
Next, the dental team captures the shape of the teeth using either a traditional impression or a digital intraoral scan. Digital scans are increasingly common because they are fast and comfortable, but both methods provide the laboratory with the precise detail needed to fabricate a snug, accurate guard. The lab then constructs the appliance from materials chosen for durability and resilience under impact.
Once the mouthguard returns from the lab, the clinician performs a fitting appointment to check comfort, stability, and occlusion. Minor adjustments can be made chairside to improve fit or to refine how the guard sits against orthodontic brackets or restorative work. The patient is shown proper insertion and removal techniques and given care instructions to maximize longevity and hygiene.
For youth athletes and others who are still growing or undergoing orthodontic treatment, follow-up evaluations are recommended. Growth changes and tooth movement can affect fit over time, and periodic reassessment ensures the guard continues to provide optimal protection.
Regular cleaning extends the life of a mouthguard and reduces bacterial buildup. Rinse the guard with cool water after each use and brush it gently with a toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or mild soap. Avoid hot water, which can distort the shape. Store the guard in a ventilated case to prevent moisture buildup and to protect it from damage when not in use.
Inspect the mouthguard frequently for signs of wear: thinning areas, tears, or persistent odors indicate it may no longer be performing as intended. In addition, if an athlete experiences changes in bite, discomfort, or new dental work, the guard should be re-evaluated and potentially refitted. Proper storage — out of direct sunlight and away from pets — also helps prevent accidental damage between uses.
Education and routine maintenance make a significant difference in long-term effectiveness. Encouraging athletes to treat their mouthguards as essential pieces of equipment — like helmets or pads — increases the likelihood they will use them consistently, which is the single most important factor in preventing sport-related oral injuries.
At Smith Tano Dental Group, we work with athletes and families to select and fit mouthguards that balance protection, comfort, and performance. Whether you’re seeking a durable option for weekend play or a custom appliance for competitive sports, we can guide you through the process and provide personalized recommendations.
In summary, a properly chosen and well-maintained mouthguard is a key component of sports safety. It significantly lowers the risk of dental and soft-tissue injuries, improves comfort during play, and helps athletes stay focused on performance rather than protection. Contact us for more information about mouthguard options and fitting — our team is available to help you choose the best solution for your needs.
