Sports Mouthguard (Custom)

Anyone taking part in sport can suffer a dental injury, including athletes in non-contact activities such as gymnastics and skating. The risk is higher in collision and contact sports, and mouthguards are especially important with braces or fixed bridge work.

A properly fitted guard creates a barrier between braces and the cheek or lips, helping avoid injuries to the gums and cheeks. Fit matters because an ill-fitting guard may not provide the intended protection.

Mouthguards reduce the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw during sport. They are part of protective equipment for activities that carry a risk of orofacial injury.

Replace a mouthguard immediately if it is worn, damaged or no longer fits. Children and teenagers may need replacements more often because their mouths continue to grow and change.

A custom guard is made for the athlete's mouth. A stock or boil-and-bite guard can be used when custom fabrication is not affordable, but the important protection comes from wearing a guard that fits properly for the activity.

Between games, rinse the guard before and after use or brush it with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Clean it in cool soapy water, dry it in a ventilated case, keep it away from hot water and sunlight, and check its fit and wear.

Custom-made protection is the preferred option, while stock and boil-and-bite mouthguards provide alternatives when a custom guard is not affordable. A removable retainer or other removable appliance should not be worn during contact sports.

The guard should cover the intended teeth and stay in place during the activity. Athletes with braces may need protection for lower teeth as well as upper teeth, and a fixed appliance can make a protective barrier particularly useful.

A mouthguard cushions blows to the face and can reduce injuries to teeth, lips, tongue, cheeks and the jaw during sport.