Injuries can happen at any time during sports, whether it’s football season or basketball tryouts. Athletes wear helmets, pads, and protective gear, but one of the often-overlooked safety items is a mouth guard. It’s small, simple, and is taken for granted- but it can save your smile.
Let’s look at how mouth guards protect your teeth when you play sports, and why they are an essential piece of safety equipment for everyone participating in contact or non-contact sports.
What Is a Mouth Guard?
A mouth guard, sometimes called a mouthpiece or gum shield, is a soft plastic or laminate dental appliance that cushions between your teeth and the blow or collision. A mouth guard is meant to be worn over your teeth to protect them.
There are three main types of mouth guards:
- Stock mouth guards- Pre-formed and ready to use, but often fit poorly.
- Boil-and-bite mouth guards- Will soften when boiled and can be moulded to your teeth.
- Custom-fitted mouth guards- Made by a dentist, they provide the best fit, comfort, and protection.
Why Sports Dental Injuries Are a Big Deal?
Most people think of broken bones or sprained ankles when they hear the word “sports injury.” However, dental injuries occur much more often than you may realize. Dental studies show that athletes who do not wear mouth guards are 60 times more likely to receive a dental injury.
The most common sports-related dental injuries are:
- Broken or chipped
- Lost teeth
- Fractured jaws
- Injury to the lips and cheeks
- Cuts on the tongue
- Damage to tooth roots
These injuries are painful, expensive, and can take years to correct. Some cases of tooth loss may result in implants or bridges, which can require attention for decades. Even an injury that seems minor can affect your smile, speech and confidence. This is why many parents and coaches are looking at the best ways to support dental injury prevention in sports.
How do mouth guards protect?
You can think of the mouth guard as a helmet for your teeth. When an athlete is hit in the face or jaw, your mouth guard absorbs and disperses the impact. In doing so, it helps stop tooth loss and chips. Mouth guards also protect in a variety of ways, including:
- It protects the soft tissues of the mouth from cuts.
- It protects from jaw fractures.
- It can protect from a concussion.
For example, if a hockey puck hits your face or you take a basketball elbow to the jaw, the mouth guard acts like a shock absorber. Instead of your teeth taking all that pressure, the mouth guard takes the hit. If you’re active in school sports and need expert care, a dentist in York can help you choose the right protection.
Who Should Wear a Mouth Guard?
While they are most commonly used in contact sports like football, hockey, and boxing, mouth guards are also helpful in non-contact sports like gymnastics, skateboarding, and mountain biking. If there’s any risk of falling, crashing, or facial contact, a mouth guard is a smart choice.
Here’s a list of sports where wearing a mouth guard is recommended:
- Football
- Hockey
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Lacrosse
- Martial arts
- Wrestling
- Rugby
- Skateboarding
- Mountain biking
- Baseball (especially for catchers and infielders)
Even cheerleaders and dancers who perform stunts can benefit from mouth protection. To stay fully covered, it’s best to ask about mouth guards in York if you’re involved in any of these activities.
Choosing the Right Mouth Guard
While stock and boil-and-bite mouth guards are available at sports stores, they don’t always offer the best fit. A poorly fitted mouth guard can feel bulky, make it hard to talk, or even fall out during the game.
That’s why a custom mouth guard for sports made by a dentist is the gold standard. They are designed specifically for your teeth and mouth shape, offering maximum comfort and protection. You’ll barely notice it’s there, but you’ll definitely notice if you ever take a hit and aren’t wearing one.
Braces? No Problem
Wearing braces doesn’t mean you should avoid mouth guards. In fact, you need them even more! A mouth guard for braces is specially designed to protect both your teeth and your orthodontic hardware during physical activities.
Getting hit in the mouth with braces on can cause cuts, bleeding, or even damage to your brackets and wires. A properly fitted mouth guard helps keep everything in place and safe.
Football Players Take Note
If you play football, the best mouth guard for football is one of the most critical pieces of your gear. With constant physical contact and the potential for tackles, falls, and collisions, football players are at high risk for dental injuries. Choose one that’s durable, fits well, and allows you to breathe and communicate clearly.
Protect Your Smile Like a Pro
You only get one set of adult teeth- once they’re damaged, it’s not easy to fix them. Wearing a sports mouth guard during games is a smart, simple way to avoid pain, dental work, and regret later.
At Caledonia Crosstown Dental Centre, we specialize in creating high-quality custom mouth guards designed for both comfort and safety. Our team of skilled professionals will ensure you get the perfect fit to protect your teeth during every game.
Our clinic proudly serves athletes of all ages with expert care and modern equipment to protect every smile. Whether you wear braces, play high-contact sports, or just want to stay safe, we’ve got you covered. Experience the difference with personalized care that keeps you in the game and out of the dental chair.
Don’t wait for an injury to learn the hard way. Book your custom sports mouth guard fitting today and play it safe- because your smile is worth protecting.