Mouthguards for Sports: Your Best Defence
Whether you play hockey on community ice, rugby on a muddy field, or basketball in a school gym, a mouthguard is small gear that makes a big difference. It protects teeth, lips, and jaws from hits, slips, and surprise contact. And when that guard is custom-made for your smile, protection and comfort go way up.
Do athletes really need a custom sports mouthguard?
Yes. A custom sports mouthguard fits your teeth and bite, so it stays in place and absorbs impact better than store-bought types. It’s easier to breathe and talk with, more comfortable over time, and can be built to fit around braces or aligners.
Why Mouthguards Matter More Than You Think
Sports are fast. A stick, elbow, ball, or fall can chip a tooth, cut lips, or injure your jaw joint (TMJ). A mouthguard is your first line of defence. It cushions blows, spreads force, and helps prevent broken or knocked-out teeth. The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) encourages athletes in contact and collision sports to wear one every time they play or practice.
“Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard can reduce the risk of injuries to your teeth, lips, tongue, face or jaw.” — Canadian Dental Association
Store-Bought vs Custom-Fitted
What’s the difference?
Store-bought guards (stock or boil‑and‑bite) are cheap and easy to grab, but they often feel bulky and shift around. If it’s uncomfortable, it won’t get worn.
Custom-fitted mouthguards are made from a scan or impression of your teeth. Your dentist adjusts thickness, edge shape, and bite so the guard stays put when you sprint, shout, or take a hit. The result: better protection, easier breathing, and clear speech.
Built for your sport and your smile
Different sports carry different risks. A hockey defender who battles in the corners needs a tougher guard than a long‑distance runner. Your dentist can tailor thickness and design to your position, level of contact, and dental history. That includes planning around prior chips, crowns, implants, or a history of jaw pain.
Want a quick checklist for helmets, fit, and routine habits? See practical ideas in practical ways to protect your teeth during sports.
Comfort Drives Compliance
If a mouthguard rubs your gums or makes you gag, you’ll “forget” it in your bag. A custom guard is slim where it can be, thicker where it must be, and trimmed so it doesn’t poke soft tissue. Most athletes find they can talk to teammates and breathe hard without trouble. When it feels right, you’ll wear it—every practice, every game.
Beyond Teeth: Jaws, TMJ, and Clenching
Hits aren’t the only risk. Many athletes clench during intense play, which can wear down enamel and stress the jaw joint (TMJ). A custom sports mouthguard helps cushion those forces. If you clench or grind at night (bruxism), ask your dentist whether you also need a night guard, since a sports guard isn’t designed for sleep. To understand clenching and treatment options, explore evidence-based solutions for teeth grinding.
Braces and Aligners: Extra Care, Extra Protection
If you wear braces or aligners, a mouthguard isn’t optional—it’s essential. A custom guard can fit over brackets or be made for aligner use during play (your dentist will guide you on when to remove aligners). It reduces cuts to cheeks and lips and protects the orthodontic hardware your family invested in.
Care, Cleaning, and Replacement
Simple care that pays off
Good care helps a guard last longer and stay fresh:
- Rinse before and after each use. Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, not toothpaste (it can be abrasive).
- Let it air-dry fully. Store it in a ventilated case.
- Keep it out of hot cars and dishwashers—heat can warp the fit.
- Clean the case weekly as well.
When to replace
Most athletes replace a guard every 6–12 months. Growing teens, orthodontic changes, bite shifts, cracks, or funk you can’t clean are all signs it’s time for a new one. Bring your guard to dental checkups so your dentist can check the fit and wear.
Maintenance As Part of a Bigger Plan
Your mouthguard works best within an individualized dental care plan. That means regular checkups during your season, quick repairs if a tooth chips, and attention to any jaw soreness. Your plan may also include fluoride to strengthen enamel, diet tips to reduce erosion from sports drinks, and a separate night guard if you grind in your sleep.
What to Do If a Tooth Is Knocked Out
Even with a mouthguard, accidents happen. If a permanent tooth gets knocked out, act fast—time matters:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part), not the root.
- Gently rinse with milk or saline if dirty. Don’t scrub.
- If you can, place it back in the socket and bite down gently on clean gauze.
- If you can’t, keep it moist in milk or a tooth-preservation kit. Don’t let it dry out.
- Get urgent dental care—ideally within 30–60 minutes.
Keep a small sports first-aid kit in your bag with saline, a clean container, and gauze. For a clear, step‑by‑step guide, see what to do in a dental emergency.
Sport-by-Sport Fit Considerations
- Hockey, ringette, lacrosse, rugby: higher‑impact, multi‑direction hits. You may need extra thickness and strong edges for tough play.
- Basketball, soccer, field hockey: frequent elbows, falls, and ball impact. A snug, breathable design supports constant talking and sprinting.
- Martial arts and boxing: peak-force impacts. Precision fit and durable material are key.
- Skating, skiing, biking, mountain biking: falls and face-first slides are the main risk. A mouthguard is still smart—falls don’t give warnings.
Comfort, Speech, and Breathability
A well-made custom guard should:
- Feel secure without jaw clenching.
- Allow clear calls and quick responses to teammates.
- Let you breathe through heavy shifts or long rallies.
If any of these are hard, the fit likely needs an adjustment. Don’t wait—small trims can make a big difference.
Young Athletes and Growing Smiles
Kids and teens change fast—height, muscle, and jaw growth all shift the bite. That’s why their mouthguards need more frequent checks and replacements. If your child wears braces, ask for a design that protects soft tissues and brackets. Reinforce the habit: it goes in before warm‑ups and comes out after cool‑down, every time.
Cost vs. Value
A custom guard costs more than a boil‑and‑bite, but the value is real. One broken tooth can mean X‑rays, a root canal, a crown, and missed games. A guard that fits well and gets worn consistently is often the cheaper choice in the long run.
Hygiene and Sports Drinks
Acidic and sugary sports drinks can soften enamel and raise cavity risk, especially during long tournaments. Rinse with water after sipping, limit frequency, and avoid brushing right away (wait 30–60 minutes). Your dentist can add enamel support to your plan when needed.
Clenching, Headaches, and Sore Jaws
If you get jaw tension or morning headaches, tell your dentist. You may need a custom night guard in addition to your sports guard. Understanding triggers and treatment can reduce pain and protect your enamel. Learn more in evidence-based solutions for teeth grinding.
How to Get a Custom Guard in Canada
- Assessment: Your dentist reviews sports, position, dental history, braces/aligners, clenching, and prior injuries.
- Scan or impression: Digital scans are quick and gag‑free; impressions are common too.
- Build and adjust: Thickness, edge trim, and bite are tailored. Colours or team logos can be added.
- Delivery and review: You try it in, and any tight spots are fixed. You’ll get cleaning and storage instructions.
- Follow‑ups: Bring it to dental visits so fit and wear can be checked.
Be Ready for the Unexpected
Even the best plan can’t stop every surprise. Save your dentist’s number in your phone and keep a backup plan for evenings and weekends. If an emergency happens, act quickly and follow proven steps. Here’s a clear guide to bookmark: what to do in a dental emergency.
Conclusion
Mouthguards aren’t extra—they’re essential. A custom sports mouthguard made for your teeth, your sport, and your season is the simplest way to prevent dental injuries and protect your jaw. Fold it into an individualized dental care plan that also addresses clenching, braces, enamel risks from drinks, and routine checkups. That’s how you stay on the ice, the field, or the court—and keep your smile strong for the long term.
FAQ
1) Are custom sports mouthguards really better than store‑bought?
Yes. Custom guards fit your exact bite, so they stay put, protect better, and feel more natural. That means you’ll actually wear them, which matters most.
2) Can I wear a mouthguard if I have braces or aligners?
Absolutely. A custom design can fit over braces and protect cheeks and lips. For aligners, your dentist will advise when to remove or keep them in during play.
3) How often should I replace my mouthguard?
Most athletes replace it every 6–12 months. Replace sooner if it’s cracked, warped, smells bad despite cleaning, or your bite or orthodontics change.
4) How do I clean my mouthguard?
Rinse before and after use. Brush gently with a soft brush and mild soap, then air-dry and store in a ventilated case. Avoid hot water and dishwashers.
5) What should I do if I knock out a tooth?
Handle the tooth by the crown, gently rinse with milk or saline, and place it back in the socket if possible. If not, store it in milk and get urgent care. For details, see what to do in a dental emergency.
6) I clench my teeth when I play. Is a sports mouthguard enough?
A sports guard helps cushion game-time clenching. If you grind at night, you may also need a separate night guard. Learn about causes and fixes in evidence-based solutions for teeth grinding.
Want a wider safety checklist for training and game day? Review practical ways to protect your teeth during sports to round out your plan.
