Sports and Your Teeth: Protecting Your Smile
During Exercise and Competition
PART 2
This is a continuation of common dental injuries in sports.
- Mouthguards: The Most Reliable Way to Protect Teeth in Sports
When patients ask the most effective direct protection for the teeth in many sports, the answer is consistent: mouthguards. These devices act as shock absorbers, distributing the force of impact across a broader area and cushioning the teeth, gums, and jaw from trauma.
* Types of Mouthguards
Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and ready to wear immediately. They are the least expensive option and widely available at sporting goods stores. However, they offer the poorest fit. Because they are not customized, they tend to be bulky, may interfere with breathing and speaking, and often fit loosely.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards offer a step up in customization. The thermoplastic material softens in hot water, allowing the user to mold it to their teeth by biting down. While this provides a better fit than stock options, the result is still less precise than professional customization.
Custom mouthguards fabricated by dental professionals represent the gold standard. Using precise impressions or digital scans of the patient’s teeth, these devices are manufactured to fit the individual’s mouth exactly. The result is superior comfort, optimal protection, and minimal interference with breathing and communication.
* Choosing the Right Mouthguard for Your Sport
Not all mouthguards are created equal, and the right choice depends on the specific activity. Most mouthguards are designed for the upper teeth, which makes sense since upper front teeth are the most exposed and vulnerable to impact. However, athletes who wear braces on their lower teeth, or those in sports where lower jaw trauma is common, may benefit from a lower mouthguard as well.
Thickness matters too. A thicker guard provides more cushioning but may feel bulkier and affect breathing during high-intensity activity. For endurance athletes or those in sports requiring constant communication, a slightly thinner custom guard often strikes the right balance. High-impact sports like boxing or hockey typically call for maximum thickness, while activities like basketball or cycling may allow for a lighter design. (To be continued)