Sports-related impacts are one of the most common causes of damage to teeth, lips, cheeks, and jaws. From organized contact sports to neighborhood pick-up games and recreational activities, collisions and accidental blows happen quickly and without warning. A properly chosen mouthguard acts as a first line of defense, absorbing and distributing forces that might otherwise fracture teeth, lacerate soft tissues, or cause jaw injuries that require extensive treatment.
Young athletes are particularly vulnerable because their jaws and dentition are still developing, and many participate in multiple sports throughout the year. Adults face risks too — a single unexpected impact can result in a chipped tooth, a dislodged restoration, or a dental emergency that interrupts work and daily life. Preventive measures like mouthguards reduce the likelihood of these outcomes and help athletes stay active with greater peace of mind.
Beyond the obvious protection for teeth, a mouthguard can shield the lips and tongue from being bitten during a collision and help prevent more severe facial injuries by cushioning the jaw. Coaches and trainers often require mouthguards for higher-risk sports; however, even athletes in lower-contact activities can benefit. Choosing the right style and fit is essential to ensuring protection without compromising breathing, communication, or comfort.
There are three primary categories of sports mouthguards available: stock, boil-and-bite, and custom-made devices. Stock mouthguards come ready to wear and are typically least expensive, but they are often bulky, fit poorly, and can impede speech or breathing. Boil-and-bite guards allow some customization: the user softens them in hot water then bites into the material to form a shape. This improves fit over stock models but can still leave gaps and inconsistent protection.
Custom mouthguards are fabricated in a dental office from impressions of the wearer’s teeth, producing a snug, anatomically accurate fit. Because they conform precisely to the dental anatomy, custom guards offer superior retention, comfort, and consistent coverage. They are available in different thicknesses and materials depending on the athlete’s sport, position, and whether the athlete wears braces or has restorations that need special accommodation.
When deciding between options, consider how often the mouthguard will be worn, the level of contact in the sport, and personal comfort. A mouthguard that is uncomfortable or interferes with breathing is less likely to be used consistently. For frequent athletes, especially those in contact or collision sports, a custom-fitted option is often the best investment in long-term oral health and performance.
Custom mouthguards are made from impressions taken by a dental professional, then crafted in a laboratory to match a patient’s mouth precisely. This fit improves retention — the guard stays in place during play — and reduces the need to clench or bite down unnaturally. Because the device conforms closely to the teeth and gums, it distributes force across a broader area, which lowers the concentration of impact on any single tooth or restoration.
Material choices and construction methods available for custom guards also affect performance. High-quality thermoplastic or laminated designs provide a balance of resilience and shock absorption, while thinner profiles at the front preserve speech and breathing. For athletes with braces or complex dental work, a custom design can incorporate extra material or specific shaping to protect both the appliance and the soft tissues, helping prevent painful injuries and damage to orthodontic hardware.
Comfort matters in real-world use. Athletes who can wear a mouthguard without gagging, muffled speech, or restricted breathing are far more likely to keep it in during games and practices. Custom guards are typically sleeker and less intrusive than over-the-counter choices, making consistent use more realistic and enhancing both safety and on-field confidence.
A mouthguard is only effective if it’s used and cared for correctly. Before every use, inspect the guard for tears, thinning, or warping; even small defects can compromise protection. Rinse it with cool water before and after wear, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste or mild soap, and store it in a ventilated case away from heat and direct sunlight. Never boil or microwave a guard unless the manufacturer specifically directs doing so, and follow any care instructions provided by your dentist.
For pediatric athletes or anyone undergoing orthodontic treatment, regular checks are important because growth and shifting teeth can alter how a guard fits. If a guard becomes loose, develops holes, or causes discomfort, consult your dental provider to determine whether it can be adjusted or should be replaced. During busy seasons, keep a backup guard on hand so protection is not interrupted while a primary guard is being cleaned or repaired.
Proper fit also extends to storage and hygiene: leaving a mouthguard exposed in a locker or bag can introduce bacteria and odors. Use a dry, ventilated storage case between uses, and clean it regularly. If the guard develops a persistent odor or cannot be thoroughly cleaned, replacement is the safest choice to protect oral health and performance.
At Brown Family Dentistry Group, we prioritize individualized care when helping athletes select or create a mouthguard. Our team begins by assessing the athlete’s sport, position, dental anatomy, and any current dental work or orthodontics. From there, we recommend the most appropriate style — whether a protective custom guard or a specific boil-and-bite option — and explain what to expect during the fitting process so families and athletes feel informed and comfortable.
The custom fabrication process typically involves taking accurate impressions or digital scans, selecting the right material and thickness for the athlete’s needs, and delivering a finished guard shaped for comfort and function. We also provide guidance on proper wear, routine maintenance, seasonal checks, and signs that indicate a replacement is necessary. For schools, clubs, and coaches, we can explain best practices for care and storage to help extend the life of each device.
Our approach emphasizes prevention and practicality: protecting teeth, soft tissues, and dental work while preserving the athlete’s ability to breathe, speak, and perform. Whether you’re a parent preparing a child for their first season, an adult returning to recreational sports, or a competitive athlete seeking consistent protection, we tailor solutions that balance safety, comfort, and everyday usability in Greenville, SC.
Summary: A well-chosen mouthguard is a simple, effective way to reduce the risk of dental and facial injuries across sports and age groups. Different types of guards offer varying levels of protection; for athletes who need reliable fit and consistent coverage, a custom-made guard sized to your mouth offers clear advantages in comfort and performance. Proper care and timely replacement keep a device functioning as intended.
If you’d like to learn more about mouthguard options or schedule a custom fitting, please contact us for additional information and guidance tailored to your needs.
A sports mouthguard is a removable dental appliance made from resilient thermoplastic that fits over the teeth and helps absorb and distribute forces during impact. It serves as a protective barrier for teeth, gums, lips, cheeks and tongue and can reduce the risk of tooth fractures and soft tissue injuries. Mouthguards may also help protect the jaw from direct blows and limit movement that can cause dental trauma.
Wearing a mouthguard is recommended for athletes in contact sports and for participants in activities where fast moving objects or hard surfaces are present. While mouthguards cannot prevent all injuries, they significantly lower the likelihood and severity of many common sport related dental and facial injuries. Consulting with your dentist helps determine the appropriate style and level of protection for your sport and mouth.
There are three main options: stock mouthguards, boil and bite models and custom mouthguards fabricated by a dental professional. Stock mouthguards come premade and are ready to wear but often fit poorly and provide limited retention. Boil and bite mouthguards soften in hot water so they can be molded at home to better conform to the teeth.
Custom mouthguards are created from an impression or digital scan of your teeth and are adjusted for precise fit, comfort and retention. Because they are tailored to each mouth, custom devices generally offer improved protection, stability and breathability compared with off the shelf options. Your dentist can recommend the appropriate type based on your sport, dental work and personal needs.
To fabricate a custom mouthguard the dentist first evaluates your bite and any existing dental work to determine the most suitable design. Either a physical impression is taken with dental material or a digital scan is captured to accurately record tooth and gum contours. That model is used to thermoform resilient material over a cast or to mill a device so the thickness and shape match the prescribed design.
At the fitting appointment the dentist trims and polishes the edges and checks fit, retention and comfort, making small adjustments as needed. Occlusion and breathing are reviewed so the guard does not interfere with normal function during play. The dentist will explain care instructions and schedule follow up if further refinements are required.
Athletes who participate in contact sports such as football, hockey, lacrosse and martial arts should consider a mouthguard to reduce the chance of dental injury. Individuals with braces, bridges, crowns or implants also benefit from a mouthguard designed to protect both teeth and soft tissues. Even recreational players in sports like soccer, basketball and baseball may choose a mouthguard when the risk of collision or being struck exists.
People with certain bite problems or movement disorders may need specialized designs that distribute forces differently to avoid aggravating existing conditions. Discuss your sport, position and dental history with the dentist so a device can be prescribed that balances protection, comfort and function. A personalized approach ensures athletes of all ages get the coverage they need without compromising performance.
Rinse and lightly brush your mouthguard with a soft toothbrush and cool water after each use to remove saliva and debris. Occasional cleaning with an antibacterial mouthwash or a non abrasive denture cleanser can help control odor and bacteria. Avoid hot water or leaving the device in direct sunlight because heat can distort the material and change the fit.
Store the mouthguard in a ventilated case when not in use to promote drying and reduce bacterial growth. Do not wrap it in a napkin or leave it loose in a gym bag where it can be damaged or swallowed by pets. Bring the mouthguard to dental visits so the dentist can inspect it for wear and make any necessary adjustments.
The service life of a mouthguard varies with the type of material, frequency of use and how well it is cared for. Custom mouthguards often last longer than stock or boil and bite models, but all guards will eventually show signs of wear such as thinning or small tears. Children and adolescents may need replacements more frequently as their teeth and jaws change during growth.
Replace a mouthguard if it no longer fits securely, shows visible damage, retains strong odors or causes discomfort when worn. Have the device evaluated during regular dental appointments so the dentist can recommend replacement timing based on condition and changes in your dentition. Keeping a spare guard on hand is a sensible precaution during a competitive season.
Mouthguards can protect soft tissues from cuts and abrasions caused by braces and can reduce the chance that brackets or wires will lacerate the inside of the mouth. For people with prosthetic restorations such as crowns, bridges or implants, a mouthguard helps absorb impact that might otherwise damage or loosen those restorations. Standard off the shelf guards may not accommodate orthodontic hardware properly, increasing the need for a specialized orthodontic or custom design.
A custom mouthguard can be fabricated to clear brackets and wires while providing adequate cushioning and retention throughout play. Your dentist will evaluate any restorative work and design the device to avoid exerting harmful pressure on vulnerable teeth or fixtures. Properly designed protection preserves both oral tissues and dental investments during sports activities.
A poorly fitting mouthguard can interfere with breathing and speech, especially during high intensity activity, which can discourage consistent use. Custom mouthguards are molded to the mouth so they are less bulky and allow more natural jaw position, which helps maintain airflow and clearer speech. Some sports also have guards designed with thinner anterior sections or channels to facilitate breathing while still protecting teeth.
It helps to practice wearing the mouthguard during training so you can adapt your breathing and communication before game time. Coaches and trainers can suggest techniques to improve endurance and verbal signals while wearing a guard. If breathing or speaking remains difficult, return to the dentist for a fit evaluation and potential adjustments.
Introduce a mouthguard to a child by explaining its purpose in simple terms and letting them choose colors or patterns when possible to increase enthusiasm. Start by practicing short wear periods during non competitive activities so the child becomes comfortable with the feel and the routine. Positive reinforcement and consistent expectations from coaches and parents are effective ways to encourage regular use.
For children with developing jaws, custom mouthguards or boil and bite options that can be refitted provide a better balance of protection and comfort. Bring your child to the dentist for a professional assessment and to ensure the guard does not interfere with eruption of permanent teeth. Regular checks are important because growth and dental changes may require refitting or replacement to maintain effective protection.
To get fitted for a sports mouthguard at Brown Family Dentistry Group you will first have a clinical evaluation where the dentist reviews your sport, dental history and any appliances such as braces or implants. We will then take a digital scan or impression of the teeth, select appropriate material and produce a device tailored to your bite and activity level. A follow up visit ensures fit, comfort and function are optimized before you return to play.
Our office at 1220 North Pleasantburg Drive in Greenville, SC coordinates the fabrication and any necessary adjustments so the guard performs reliably during use. Bring the mouthguard to routine dental appointments so the team can inspect it, make minor refinements and advise on replacement timing. If you have questions about sport specific designs or clearance requirements for organized leagues, speak with the dental team during your visit.
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