Custom Mouthguards That Protect Active Smiles

Why mouthguards make a measurable difference in sports safety

Sports-related impacts are a common cause of dental and facial injuries. When players collide with each other, the ground, or with sports equipment like balls, bats, and sticks, teeth, lips, cheeks, and even the jaw are at risk. A properly fitted mouthguard acts as a first line of defense, dispersing and absorbing force to reduce the likelihood of fractures, avulsions (knocked-out teeth), and soft-tissue lacerations.

Beyond obvious tooth protection, mouthguards help reduce the risk of more complex injuries such as jaw fractures and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) trauma by stabilizing the bite during impact. They also prevent cuts to the tongue and inner cheeks that can occur when an athlete’s teeth collide with soft tissue. For contact and collision sports, wearing a mouthguard consistently can change the outcome of an injury from a dental emergency to a manageable incident.

For parents and athletes weighing protective choices, it helps to view mouthguards as part of a comprehensive approach to safety. Helmets, pads, rule enforcement, and good coaching are indispensable — but oral protection specifically targets the vulnerable structures of the face and mouth. Evidence from sports medicine and dentistry shows that the cumulative benefit of using a mouthguard can be substantial over a season or an athletic career.

Understanding the different types of mouthguards

There are three primary categories of mouthguards available: stock (pre-formed), boil-and-bite, and custom-made. Stock mouthguards come ready to wear straight from the package. They are inexpensive and easy to obtain but usually fit poorly, which can interfere with breathing and speaking while offering limited protection. Boil-and-bite models improve fit by softening the material in hot water and then molding it around the teeth, but results can be inconsistent.

Custom-made mouthguards are fabricated by dental professionals using impressions or digital scans of an athlete’s mouth. These devices offer the best balance of protection, comfort, and retention because they precisely match the contours of the teeth and gumline. A well-designed custom guard minimizes movement during play, improves breathing, and reduces the risk of a dislodged appliance at a critical moment.

Material and design also vary depending on the level of competition and specific needs. Guards designed for athletes with braces, for example, include additional coverage and softer lining to protect both the hardware and soft tissues. Understanding these differences helps patients and parents make informed choices about which type of guard is most appropriate for a given sport and level of play.

Who should consider a custom mouthguard?

Any athlete participating in contact or collision sports should strongly consider wearing a mouthguard; those sports include football, hockey, lacrosse, rugby, boxing, and many forms of martial arts. However, the recommendation extends beyond obvious contact sports. Children and adults involved in skateboarding, rollerblading, mountain biking, and even high-speed recreational activities may benefit from oral protection, since falls are a frequent cause of facial trauma.

Certain patients have additional reasons to seek a custom appliance: individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment, people with extensive dental restorations or implants, athletes with a history of dental injury, and those who require enhanced breathing or speaking function during competition. For these patients, a custom mouthguard designed by a dentist provides superior fit and protection compared with over-the-counter alternatives.

The office of Black Mountain Family Dentistry works with patients to evaluate individual risk factors — age, sport, position, dental history, and existing dental work — and recommends the best type of guard accordingly. This personalized approach helps ensure athletes receive protection that aligns with their lifestyles and oral health needs.

What to expect when you get a dentist-made mouthguard

Getting a custom mouthguard typically begins with a clinical evaluation and a detailed impression or intraoral scan. The dental team assesses bite patterns, gum health, and any appliances such as braces or bridges that could affect the final design. These preparatory steps allow the laboratory to craft an appliance that balances comfort, retention, and shock absorption.

Fabrication takes place in a dental lab where technicians shape layers of medical-grade thermoplastic or other resilient materials to match the provided model. The result is an appliance that conforms closely to the teeth and gums while maintaining the necessary thickness in key protective zones. The dentist will check fit, make any minor adjustments, and provide guidance on wearing and maintenance before clearing the athlete to return to play.

A custom guard can also be tailored for speech and breathing considerations, with reduced bulk in areas that facilitate airflow and communication. For athletes who rely on vocal coaching or rapid on-field direction, these refinements help maintain performance without compromising protection. Follow-up visits are recommended to evaluate fit over time, especially for growing children or athletes undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Maintaining your mouthguard: cleaning, storage, and replacement

Proper care extends the life of a mouthguard and ensures it continues to offer reliable protection. Rinse the appliance with cool water after each use and store it in a ventilated, protective case to prevent deformation and bacterial buildup. Avoid exposing the guard to high temperatures (like direct sunlight or hot water) which can warp the material and reduce effectiveness.

Cleaning can be done with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste or with mild, non-alcoholic antimicrobial solutions recommended by dental professionals. Periodic deep cleaning, using denture or mouthguard-specific cleansers per the manufacturer’s instructions, helps control odors and microbial growth. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could degrade the guard’s integrity.

Inspect the mouthguard regularly for signs of wear, thinning, or cracking, and replace it if the fit becomes loose or uncomfortable. Children and adolescents require more frequent replacement due to jaw and tooth development. For long-term athletes, annual assessments are a sensible routine to confirm the guard remains protective and comfortable.

In summary, a properly selected and maintained mouthguard is a simple, effective tool for reducing the risk of dental and facial injuries in sports. Custom-made guards provide the best combination of fit, comfort, and protection, particularly for athletes with braces or restorative work. If you have questions about which type of mouthguard is right for you or a family member, contact us to learn more and arrange a consultation tailored to your needs.