The fall sports season is upon us. Is your child ready? They may be physically getting into shape, but have you considered the importance of protecting their teeth? If not, we strongly recommend that you read about the benefits of sports mouthguards, the different types of mouthguards, and how to properly care for them.
Benefits of Sports Mouthguards:
Mouthguards protect student athletes in multiple, key ways.
1) Protection of Teeth/Face:
The ADA Mouth Healthy article, “Mouthguards” explains that they cushion blows to the face. This minimizes the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your lips, tongue, face, or jaw. In addition, they also protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips, and cheek lining, adds the article.
2) Protection for Mouth Appliances:
For those with braces or other fixed orthodontic appliances, they provide a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, says the above article.
3) Minimization of Concussions:
Dr. Jack Winters, D.D.S., the past president of the Academy for Sports Dentistry, explains that a properly fitted and worn mouthguard has been shown to have an effect on the prevention of concussion injuries for athletes participating in high-contact physical sports. He is cited in Burger’s ADA News article, “Dentist-Fitted Mouthguards Necessary for Athletes of All Ages, Advocates Say.”
4) Decreased Treatment Time and Cost:
Dr. Thomas Long is the team dentist for the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, and he is cited in the ADA Mouth Healthy article, “3 Things All Athletes Should Do for Their Teeth.” He warns that another implication of not wearing a mouthguard is missing practices or games because of time needed for treatment or recovery, as well as the costs associated with that.
Types of Mouthguards:
1) Custom-Made:
Custom-made mouthguards are made by your dentist to fit your athlete personally. Dr. Hans Stasiuk, D.M.D., who is the Academy for Sports Dentistry president, says there is a big difference in the quality and protection of custom-made mouthguards compared to store-bought ones. He adds that stock versions don’t fit very well, and they provide very little, if any protection. Custom-made mouthguards are designed based upon an exact model of the athlete’s teeth, and because of that, they provide the best fit, comfort, and protection. Dr. Stasiuk is cited in Burger’s ADA News article, “Dentist-Fitted Mouthguards Necessary for Athletes of All Ages, Advocates Say.”
2) Boil and Bite:
These can be bought at many sporting goods stores or drugstores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. They are first softened in water by boiling, and they are then inserted into your mouth in order to adapt to its shape, says the ADA Mouth Healthy article, “Mouthguards.”
3) Stock:
The ADA article, “Mouthguards” explains that these come pre-formed and ready to wear, though they often don’t fit very well, can be bulky, and can make breathing and talking difficult.
Mouthguard Care:
- Below is a summary of how to care for your mouthguard, according to the ADA Mouth Healthy article, “Mouthguards:”
- Rinse before and after each use, or brush with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Regularly clean the mouthguard in cool, soapy water. Then, rinse it thoroughly.
- Bring your mouthguard for an evaluation to your dental check-ups so your dentist can evaluate wear and tear and fit, and possibly for a thorough cleaning.
- Store and transport the mouthguard in a sturdy container that has vents so it can dry and keep bacteria from growing.
- Never leave the mouthguard in the sun or in hot water.
- Store your mouthguard and case somewhere where your pet cannot reach it.
We at Boulevard Dental Associates take protecting athlete’s teeth very seriously. We make custom-made mouthguards for student athletes, and we have regularly provided Governor Mifflin teams with free-of-charge, custom-made mouthguards. That is how important your athlete’s teeth are to us!
References:
American Dental Association. Mouthguards. Mouth Healthy. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/mouthguards. Accessed July 24, 2025.
American Dental Association. 3 Things All Athletes Should Do for Their Teeth. Mouth Healthy. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/athletes-and-dental-care. Accessed July 24, 2025.
Burger, David. Dentist-Fitted Mouthguards Necessary for Athletes of All Ages, Advocates Say. ADA News. April 23, 2021. https://adanews.ada.org/ada-news/2021/april/dentist-fitted-mouthguards-necessary-for-athletes-of-all-ages/. Accessed July 24, 2025.