Contact and Collision Sports Come First

Football, hockey, boxing and martial arts carry the highest risk of a blow to the face. In these sports, a mouthguard belongs in the gear bag next to the helmet and pads.

Your top front teeth take most hits because they stick out farther. A guard cushions the impact and also shields your lips, tongue and cheeks.

The American Association of Orthodontists points to research showing adults who skip mouthguards face an 82 to 93 percent greater risk of mouth and face injuries. Chipped, broken and missing teeth top that list.

Basketball Is the Sport People Skip

Elbows, loose balls and hard falls make basketball a common source of broken teeth. Yet it rarely gets the same attention as football.

In the same AAO survey, 83 percent of parents wanted mouthguards required for football. Only 49 percent felt the same about basketball.

Non-Contact Sports Still Carry Risk

You do not need to be tackled to hurt a tooth. The ADA notes that athletes in non-contact activities like gymnastics and skating can still suffer dental injuries.

Cycling, skateboarding and other sports with a risk of falls belong in this group too. If a hard landing could send your face toward the ground, a guard is worth wearing.

Braces and Dental Work Raise the Stakes

A hit to the mouth can damage brackets and wires and cut the inside of your cheeks. Patients with braces or a fixed bridge often need a guard that fits around that hardware.

Protecting a bridge or crown during a game is far easier than weighing your tooth replacement options afterward. If you wear a removable retainer, take it out before contact sports.

Custom, Boil-and-Bite or Stock?

Stock guards come ready to wear but often fit loosely, which can make talking and breathing harder. A boil-and-bite mouthguard softens in hot water and molds to your teeth for a closer fit.

Custom mouth guards are made to match your bite, so they stay in place without clenching. A guard that feels comfortable is one athletes actually keep in during the game.

Any guard is better than none. If cost is a concern, a drugstore guard still offers real protection.

Getting Fitted at Julington Dental

We make custom guards for football, basketball, hockey and martial arts, as well as cycling and gymnastics. Each one is tailored to your bite for a snug, comfortable fit.

It helps to schedule a fitting before practices start, so the guard is ready for the first game. You can see the rest of our dental services online, and it is smart to know the signs of a dental emergency before the season begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if a tooth gets knocked out during a game?

Keep the tooth moist and handle it without touching the root. If you can, gently place it back in the socket; if not, hold it between your cheek and gum or put it in milk.

Then see a dentist as soon as possible. The ADA's MouthHealthy site lists these same first-aid steps for a knocked-out adult tooth.

How often should a sports mouthguard be replaced?

Replace a mouthguard right away if it shows wear, gets damaged or no longer fits snugly. Children and teens may need new guards more often because their teeth and jaws are still changing.

At Julington Dental, our team can look over your guard during regular check-ups. Bring it along so we can see how it is holding up and whether it still fits well.

How do you clean and store a sports mouthguard?

Rinse your mouthguard after every use and let it dry before putting it away. Store it in a sturdy, ventilated case so air can reach it and bacteria are less likely to grow.

That is the same routine Julington Dental recommends on its sports mouth guard page. Keeping the case in your gear bag also stops the guard from getting lost or crushed.

Can I wear my night guard as a sports mouthguard?

No, a night guard and a sports guard are built for different jobs. A night guard protects teeth from grinding and clenching during sleep, while a sports guard is made to cushion hits to the face and jaw.

Julington Dental makes both types, each custom-fitted to your bite. Read more about who needs a custom night guard for grinding.

Do adults in recreational leagues need a mouthguard too?

Yes, adults in weekend leagues face many of the same risks as younger players. A pickup basketball game or a slip on a bike can chip a tooth at any age.

Julington Dental fits custom sports mouth guards for athletes of all ages, from kids in their first season to adults who still play for fun. A guard that fits well is easy to wear all game.