Athletic Mouthguards

Playing sports is a fun and healthy activity, but sports can also put participants at risk of injury. So, steps should be taken to protect athletes by preventing injuries from happening in the first place.

An athletic mouthguard (sometimes called a sports guard) is a plastic tray worn over the top row of teeth. Athletic mouthguards protect the teeth, mouth, lips, and face from sports-related injuries.

Wearing a mouthguard can protect athletes from the following injuries:

• Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
• Knocked-out teeth
• Concussions
• Soft tissue injuries like bitten cheeks and tongues

Do You Need an Athletic Mouthguard?

Our dentists recommend athletic mouthguards for anyone participating in sports or physical activities that involve:

• Contact or impact
• Flying equipment
• Risk of falling

Sports activities for which we recommend athletic mouthguards include:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Football
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Volleyball
• Hockey
• Gymnastics
• Mountain biking
• Horseback riding
• Skateboarding

If you or your child lives an active lifestyle and participates in sports, we welcome you to talk with one of our dentists about your risk of injury and whether you or your child should be wearing a mouthguard.

Which Type of Athletic Mouthguard Is Right for You?

Athletic mouthguards are available in three varieties, and we can help you determine which is best for you or your child based on your dental history and athletic activities.

Stock Mouthguards

Stock mouthguards are sold pre-formed and ready to wear over the top of teeth. These plastic mouthguards help prevent injury but usually do not offer much comfort since they are a one-size-fits-all solution with no options for customization.

Boil and Bite Mouthguards

Boil and bite mouthguards are pre-formed, but they can be slightly customized for a more comfortable fit. These mouthguards are made from a slightly softer plastic that can be boiled and then bit down on to form better to the unique shape of your teeth.

These mouthguards fit better than stock mouthguards, but they still cannot offer a perfect fit.

Custom-Made Mouthguards

Custom mouthguards are manufactured in a dental laboratory and designed based on impressions of your teeth taken by our team. These mouthguards are a great choice for anyone, but especially for an athlete with dental appliances.

Custom mouthguards can be designed to protect and fit over the top of braces, dental bridges, and more. These mouthguards are the most comfortable and personalized option available. Although they cost more than the athletic mouthguards sold at a sporting goods store, they offer a perfect fit and a higher level of protection. They also are much longer-lasting than ready-made options.

Athletic Mouthguards at Eastgate Dental Excellence

At Eastgate Dental Excellence, we’re pleased to provide our patients with superior preventive dental care, including a range of athletic mouthguards and nightguards to protect your teeth. To learn more or to schedule an appointment for a custom mouthguard fitting, we welcome you to contact us today.