Sports Mouthguards

A properly fitted mouthguard is an important piece of protective sports equipment. A mouthguard should be worn when you participate in sports, whether it is a friendly game, a practice, or a competitive game. While mouthguards may be mandatory for some contact sports, there is still a risk for mouth injury while playing non-contact sports such as basketball, soccer, baseball and volleyball.

Benefits of using mouthguards:

• Mouthguards prevent injury by absorbing and deflecting the force of a hit or blow to the mouth area.
• Mouthguards prevent teeth from breaking by acting as a cushion between the upper and lower jaw.

Custom-made mouthguards:

• Are more comfortable.
• Stay in position better.
• Have less affect on speech and breathing.

Over the counter mouthguards:

• Are only available in limited sizes.
• Are a better choice when baby teeth are still present.
• Are a good transition to a custom-made mouthguard when all permanent teeth are present.

Remember! All mouthguards need to be replaced every year or two because your teeth shift and the mouthguard material breaks down over time.

Where can you get a custom-made mouthguard?

• Your dental provider