Sports-related impacts are a common source of dental and facial injuries — from chipped or knocked-out teeth to lacerations of the lips and soft tissues. Even seemingly minor collisions can produce enough force to damage a tooth’s root or fracture its structure, which can lead to complex, long-term dental problems. Wearing an appropriately fitted mouthguard is one of the simplest and most effective ways athletes of all ages can reduce the risk of such injuries while remaining active in their favorite sports.
Beyond preventing single-tooth injuries, mouthguards also help absorb and distribute impact forces that might otherwise be transferred to the jaw and temporomandibular joint. This protective action can lower the likelihood of jaw fractures, dislocations, and concussions associated with direct blows to the lower face. For parents and coaches, understanding that mouthguards do more than protect visible teeth is an important step toward comprehensive athletic safety.
Encouraging consistent mouthguard use is particularly important in sports with regular body contact or where fast-moving objects are involved — examples include football, hockey, lacrosse, boxing, and certain martial arts. But even non-contact sports such as skateboarding or cycling carry enough risk to make a mouthguard a smart precaution. Proper protection helps athletes stay in the game and avoid preventable dental trauma that can affect function and confidence for years to come.
There are three major categories of sports mouthguards available: stock (ready-to-wear), boil-and-bite, and custom-made mouthguards created by a dental professional. Stock guards come pre-formed and are worn right out of the package — they are the most affordable option but often offer the poorest fit and can interfere with breathing and communication. Boil-and-bite guards soften in hot water and are shaped by biting down, giving a better fit than stock models but still falling short of a truly customized solution.
Custom mouthguards are fabricated from impressions or digital scans taken in the dental office and are crafted to match the unique contours of an individual’s mouth. Because they fit more accurately, custom guards offer superior comfort, stability, and protection. They also allow for adjustments that accommodate dental appliances such as braces or implants, and they can be built using materials that balance shock absorption with durability for higher-level athletic use.
When choosing between options, patients should weigh fit, comfort, ease of breathing and speaking, and the level of protection required by their sport. For youth athletes, or anyone who participates in frequent or high-impact activities, a custom mouthguard is often the recommended choice because it maximizes protection while minimizing interference with performance.
Patients who wear braces or other orthodontic appliances need special attention when it comes to mouthguard selection. Traditional over-the-counter guards may not fit properly over brackets and wires, which can leave soft tissues vulnerable to cuts or fail to provide adequate cushioning for teeth. Custom guards can be designed with additional space and protection around orthodontic hardware, helping prevent both injury and damage to the braces themselves.
Similarly, patients with dental restorations—such as crowns, bridges, or implants—benefit from a mouthguard tailored to their current oral condition. A well-fitted custom mouthguard protects natural teeth and restorations without placing uneven pressure on a single tooth or prosthetic, reducing the chance of costly complications. Patients with a history of jaw pain or TMJ issues should also discuss guard design with their dentist so the appliance supports comfortable jaw positioning during activity.
Sport-specific demands matter as well. Athletes involved in collision sports often require thicker materials and greater coverage, while those in endurance sports may prioritize lightweight designs that allow easier breathing and clearer communication. A dental professional can assess the level of contact, frequency of play, and individual oral anatomy to recommend the best approach for protection and performance.
Having a custom mouthguard made in a dental office begins with an evaluation of the patient’s mouth and a discussion about their athletic needs. The dentist or hygienist will examine teeth, restorations, and any orthodontic appliances, and then recommend the appropriate type of guard material and level of coverage. Clear communication about the sport, position played, and how often the athlete participates helps guide design decisions that balance protection and comfort.
The next step typically involves capturing an accurate impression or a digital scan of the patient’s teeth. Digital scanning technology produces a quick, comfortable record of the bite and arch shape, while traditional impressions are still a reliable option. These records are sent to a dental laboratory or used in-office to fabricate the guard so it conforms precisely to the mouth’s contours and occlusion, ensuring a snug, stable fit that won’t shift during play.
Once the mouthguard is fabricated, the dentist will verify fit, adjust any high spots, and confirm that the athlete can breathe and speak comfortably while wearing it. Proper fit checks may include observing the guard during movement and asking the patient to simulate breathing and talking patterns used in their sport. The dentist will also provide instructions for care and advise when follow-up visits are needed to reassess fit over time.
Extending the life and effectiveness of a mouthguard depends largely on routine care. After each use, patients should rinse the appliance with cool water, brush it gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste or a mild soap, and allow it to air-dry before storing it in a ventilated case. Avoid exposing the mouthguard to high heat—such as direct sunlight, hot water, or car dashboards—because heat can warp the material and compromise fit.
Regular inspection is important: look for cracks, thin spots, persistent odors, or changes in fit. Children and teenagers may need replacements more frequently as their jaws and dentition develop, and any patient who experiences a blow to the mouth should have the guard checked for damage even if there are no immediate symptoms. A mouthguard that shows signs of wear or no longer fits well should be replaced promptly to ensure continued protection.
For patients who play year-round or participate in multiple sports, scheduling periodic reviews during routine dental visits helps maintain optimal function. Your dental team can advise on the expected lifespan of a particular guard based on material and use patterns, and they can fabricate a replacement when needed so patients remain protected without interruption.
Complete Dental Care of Fishers provides personalized guidance on choosing and maintaining the right sports mouthguard for athletes at every level. If you’d like to learn more about protective options for you or your child, please contact us for more information.
A sports mouthguard is a removable oral appliance designed to protect the teeth, lips, cheeks, tongue and jaw from impact during physical activity. It is typically made from durable, shock-absorbing thermoplastic or other medical-grade materials that cushion and distribute forces. Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard greatly reduces the risk of dental trauma such as chipped or knocked-out teeth and soft tissue injuries.
Most mouthguards cover the upper arch, but some designs can be made for the lower teeth or both arches depending on the athlete's needs and dental work. Mouthguards vary in thickness and design to balance protection with comfort and speech and breathing needs. Athletes who wear braces, bridges, implants or other dental restorations often require specially designed mouthguards to prevent injury and appliance damage.
Any athlete participating in contact or collision sports should wear a mouthguard, including football, hockey, lacrosse, rugby and boxing. Players in recreational or noncontact activities that involve flying objects, falls, or sudden stops—such as baseball, basketball and cycling—can also benefit from protection. Youth athletes are especially vulnerable because their teeth and jaws are still developing.
Patients with orthodontic appliances or dental restorations are advised to use mouthguards designed for those conditions to avoid damage and reduce soft tissue injury. Coaches, parents and adult athletes should discuss mouthguard use with their dentist as part of a broader injury-prevention plan. A dentist can assess risk and tailor recommendations to the specific sport and athlete.
There are three main types of mouthguards: stock (ready-to-wear), boil-and-bite and custom-fitted devices made by a dentist. Stock guards are inexpensive and come preformed but often fit poorly, while boil-and-bite models improve fit by softening the material for a moldable adjustment. Both types offer basic protection but can be bulky, uncomfortable or unstable during play.
Custom mouthguards are fabricated from impressions or digital scans of a patient's mouth to deliver superior fit, retention and comfort. Because they are made from higher-grade materials and tailored to individual anatomy, custom guards allow better breathing and speaking and tend to interfere less with performance. For athletes who wear braces, have prosthetic work or require long-term protection, custom mouthguards are generally recommended by dental professionals.
A custom mouthguard begins with a clinical evaluation to review dental history, recent dental work and the specific demands of the sport. The dentist then takes either physical impressions or a digital scan of the teeth and bite to capture precise anatomy. These records are used to design a mouthguard that balances protection with comfort, accounting for occlusion, arch form and any appliances present.
In-office or laboratory fabrication produces a device that matches the prescribed thickness, material and contours for the athlete. At the fitting appointment the dentist checks retention, jaw position and overall comfort, making minor adjustments or trimming as needed to prevent irritation and ensure proper breathing. Patients receive care instructions on cleaning, storage and signs of wear to monitor between visits.
Mouthguards are highly effective at protecting teeth and soft tissues but their role in preventing concussions is less definitive. Some studies suggest well-fitted mouthguards may reduce certain transmission of force to the jaw and skull, potentially lowering concussion risk in specific scenarios, but they are not a substitute for proper helmets and safety protocols. Because concussions result from complex brain movement, no mouthguard can guarantee prevention.
Athletes should view mouthguards as one component of a comprehensive head and facial injury prevention strategy that includes appropriate protective gear, rule enforcement and proper technique. If concussion concerns arise after a blow to the head or jaw, patients should seek immediate medical evaluation rather than relying on oral protection alone. Your dentist can advise on mouthguard features that optimize shock absorption and retention for your sport.
Rinse and gently brush your mouthguard with cool water and a soft toothbrush after each use, or wash it with mild soap; avoid hot water or harsh chemicals that can warp the material. Periodically disinfect the guard with a denture cleaner or an antimicrobial rinse if recommended by your dentist. Allow it to air dry completely before storing to discourage bacterial growth.
Store the mouthguard in a ventilated, protective case away from direct sunlight, heat and curious pets. Inspect the device regularly for thinning, holes, tears or loss of shape, and bring it to dental visits so the dentist can evaluate fit and integrity. Proper maintenance extends the useful life of the guard and helps preserve oral health.
Orthodontic patients require mouthguards that accommodate brackets and wires to prevent soft tissue lacerations and protect moving teeth. Standard stock or poorly fitted boil-and-bite guards may not adapt well to orthodontic hardware and can be uncomfortable or ineffective. A custom guard can be designed with increased space and protective features to reduce pressure on brackets while maintaining retention.
Similarly, patients with implants, crowns, bridges or removable prosthetics should use mouthguards that distribute forces away from sensitive restorations. The dentist will factor in the location and type of dental work when recommending materials and thickness to minimize damage and discomfort. Regular checkups ensure the appliance continues to protect restorations as oral conditions change.
A proper-fitting mouthguard should feel snug and stable without shifting during speech or vigorous activity, and it should allow natural breathing and swallowing. It should not cause ongoing soreness, gagging or impede clear communication on the field. Comfortable fit improves compliance and ensures the guard performs as intended.
If the mouthguard moves, creates pressure points, makes chewing difficult, or causes persistent pain, it is likely ill-fitting and requires adjustment or replacement. Boil-and-bite guards that repeatedly loosen or custom guards that develop rough edges should be evaluated by the dentist. Professional refitting preserves safety and comfort.
Replace a mouthguard whenever you see visible wear such as thinning, cracking, holes or permanent deformation that affects fit. Children and adolescents will need new guards more frequently because growth and dental development change arch dimensions. Even without obvious damage, seasonal athletes should have guards inspected before each competitive season.
Also replace the mouthguard after major dental work, orthodontic adjustments or any injury that alters tooth position or bite. If the guard no longer fits snugly or causes discomfort, consult your dentist for a new device. Regular professional assessment ensures the guard continues to meet protection and comfort needs.
To obtain a custom mouthguard at Complete Dental Care of Fishers, schedule a consultation so the dentist can assess your sport-specific needs and oral condition. The practice uses precise impressions or digital scans and selects materials to create a device that balances protection with comfort and breathability. The fitting visit includes adjustment and personalized care instructions.
Patients may call the office at (317) 214-8693 to request an appointment or discuss mouthguard options, and the team will explain scheduling and preparation steps. Bringing recent dental records or noting any appliances helps streamline the evaluation. Follow-up visits allow the dentist to monitor fit and performance as needs change.
Email: