Why Athletes Need Custom Mouthguards

For athletes, a custom mouthguard is one of the simplest and most effective pieces of protective gear available, yet it is often overlooked. A good mouthguard does far more than shield your teeth. It helps protect your lips, tongue, and jaw, and it is easy to wear once it fits well. Whether you play a contact sport or an activity with any risk of a fall or collision, here is why a mouthguard belongs in your gear bag.

What a mouthguard protects

A blow to the face during sports can do real damage in an instant. A well-made mouthguard cushions and distributes the force of an impact, helping to protect against:

• Chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth.
• Cuts to the lips, tongue, and inner cheeks.
• Injuries to the jaw and the joint that opens and closes it.
• Damage to braces or other dental work.

A knocked-out or broken tooth is not only painful, it can require extensive and ongoing dental treatment. Preventing that injury in the first place is far easier than repairing it.

Which sports call for a mouthguard

Most people associate mouthguards with football, hockey, and boxing, and those are obvious cases. But dental injuries also happen in basketball, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, wrestling, martial arts, skateboarding, mountain biking, and many other activities. Any sport with a risk of contact, a flying ball or stick, or a fall is a reason to consider a guard. The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for a wide range of sports (ada.org).

Why custom fit matters

The single biggest factor in whether a mouthguard does its job is whether the athlete actually wears it, and that comes down to fit. A custom mouthguard is made from a precise mold of the teeth, so it fits snugly without being bulky. That means it stays in place during play, does not interfere much with breathing or speaking, and is comfortable enough that athletes keep it in. A guard left in a locker because it is uncomfortable protects no one. We compare the options in detail in our guide to custom vs boil-and-bite sports guards.

Mouthguards for kids and teens

Young athletes are especially good candidates for mouthguards, since childhood and the teen years are prime time for sports and for active growth. A custom guard can be made to fit comfortably and can be remade as a child grows or as their teeth change. For families with kids in multiple sports, a single well-fitted guard that they will actually wear is a worthwhile investment in protecting developing smiles.

Caring for and replacing your guard

A mouthguard works best when it is kept clean and in good shape. Rinse it after each use, store it in a ventilated case, and keep it away from heat. Replace it if it becomes torn, loose, or worn down. For a full routine, see our guide on caring for your sports guard. If you also grind your teeth at night, that is a separate need addressed by a nightguard rather than a sports guard.

Custom sports guards in Fremont

At Fremont Family Smiles, Dr. Anna Yi makes custom sports guards fitted to each athlete, for players of all ages across Fremont, Newark, and the surrounding Tri-City area. Whether you or your child play a contact sport or just want protection during active play, contact our office to learn more about our sports guard services.