Mouthguards and Sports Safety

Protecting Your Teeth During Sports and Recreation

Why Mouth Protection Matters

Sports and recreational activities provide many health benefits, but they can also increase the risk of dental injuries. A blow to the face can result in chipped teeth, broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, injuries to the lips and tongue, or even jaw fractures.

Many of these injuries can be prevented by wearing a properly fitted mouthguard.

A mouthguard is one of the simplest and most effective pieces of protective equipment for athletes of all ages.

What Is a Mouthguard?

A mouthguard is a flexible protective device worn over the teeth during sports and certain recreational activities.

It helps absorb and distribute the force of an impact, reducing the risk of injury to the:

  • Teeth

  • Gums

  • Lips

  • Tongue

  • Cheeks

  • Jaw

While no mouthguard can prevent every injury, wearing one significantly lowers the risk of serious dental trauma.

Who Should Wear a Mouthguard?

Mouthguards are recommended for anyone participating in activities where there is a risk of contact or falls.

Examples include:

  • Football

  • Basketball

  • Soccer

  • Hockey

  • Baseball and softball

  • Wrestling

  • Boxing

  • Martial arts

  • Rugby

  • Lacrosse

  • Skateboarding

  • Rollerblading

  • BMX and mountain biking

  • Gymnastics (depending on the activity)

Even non-contact sports can involve accidental collisions or falls.

Types of Mouthguards

Stock Mouthguards

These are pre-formed and ready to wear.

Advantages:

  • Inexpensive

  • Readily available

Limitations:

  • Limited fit

  • Less comfortable

  • May interfere with speaking or breathing

Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards

These become soft in hot water and are molded to fit the user's teeth.

Advantages:

  • Better fit than stock mouthguards

  • Affordable

  • Widely available

Custom Mouthguards

These are made by a dentist using an impression or digital scan of the teeth.

Advantages:

  • Best fit

  • Greater comfort

  • Better protection

  • Easier speaking and breathing

Custom mouthguards are generally recommended for athletes who participate regularly in contact sports.

How Does a Mouthguard Protect Your Teeth?

A properly fitted mouthguard helps:

  • Cushion impacts

  • Reduce the risk of broken teeth

  • Lower the chance of a knocked-out tooth

  • Protect soft tissues inside the mouth

  • Reduce injury to braces and orthodontic appliances

  • Help distribute impact forces more evenly

Mouthguards and Braces

Children and teenagers wearing braces should wear a mouthguard during sports.

Special orthodontic mouthguards are designed to fit over braces while helping protect:

  • Teeth

  • Brackets

  • Lips

  • Cheeks

Because teeth move during orthodontic treatment, these mouthguards may need to be replaced periodically.

Caring for Your Mouthguard

To keep your mouthguard clean:

  • Rinse it with cool water before and after each use.

  • Wash it with mild soap when appropriate.

  • Allow it to air dry completely.

  • Store it in a ventilated protective case.

  • Keep it away from excessive heat, which may cause distortion.

Inspect your mouthguard regularly for signs of wear or damage.

Replace it if it becomes cracked, loose, or no longer fits properly.

What If a Tooth Is Injured During Sports?

If a permanent tooth is knocked out:

  • Pick it up by the crown, not the root.

  • Gently rinse it if dirty.

  • Try to place it back into the socket if possible.

  • If not, store it in cold milk or a tooth preservation solution.

  • Seek emergency dental care immediately.

Quick action greatly improves the chances of saving the tooth.

Preventing Sports-Related Dental Injuries

In addition to wearing a mouthguard:

  • Wear a properly fitted helmet when appropriate.

  • Follow sport safety rules.

  • Replace damaged protective equipment.

  • Avoid chewing on mouthguards.

  • Have regular dental examinations.

Common Myths

"Only professional athletes need mouthguards."

False.

Anyone participating in sports with a risk of falls or contact can benefit from wearing a mouthguard.

"Helmets protect my teeth."

Not completely.

Helmets protect the head but do not adequately protect the teeth or soft tissues of the mouth.

A mouthguard provides additional protection.

"If I wear braces, I shouldn't wear a mouthguard."

False.

People with braces are often at greater risk for injuries to the lips and cheeks and should wear an orthodontic mouthguard during sports.

Key Takeaways

✔ Mouthguards help prevent many sports-related dental injuries.

✔ They protect the teeth, gums, lips, tongue, and jaw.

✔ Custom-made mouthguards provide the best fit and protection.

✔ Athletes with braces should wear specially designed orthodontic mouthguards.

✔ Clean and inspect your mouthguard regularly.

✔ Wearing a mouthguard is one of the easiest ways to protect your smile during sports.

References

  1. American Dental Association. Mouthguards. https://www.ada.org

  2. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Policy on Prevention of Sports-related Orofacial Injuries. https://www.aapd.org

  3. American Association of Orthodontists. Mouthguards and Braces. https://www.aaoinfo.org

  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sports Safety. https://www.cdc.gov

  5. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Sports Safety and Oral Health. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov

  6. World Health Organization. Oral Health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/oral-health

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