How Can a Custom Sports Mouthguard Safeguard Your Smile?

Did you know that more than 5 million teeth are lost each year in the United States as a result of sports injuries? If you participate in contact or high-impact sports, our team at Highlight Family Dentistry recommends wearing a custom-fitted sports mouthguard to protect your smile. We are all about preventing sports-related dental injuries rather than treating problems after they develop.

What Are Common Sports-Related Dental Injuries?

The most common sports-related dental injuries include fractured, knocked-out, dislodged, chipped, or otherwise damaged teeth, as well as tooth root fractures and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) injuries. Athletes often sustain soft tissue injuries, such as trauma to the lips or even biting the tongue.

What Are Sports Mouthguards?

Sports mouthguards are protective oral appliances that you place over the top row of your teeth to help prevent injuries from accidental blows to the face. They are custom-crafted from high-quality materials that provide cushioning, absorbing the forces of sudden impacts. Wearing an athletic guard helps protect your teeth, gums, lips, and tongue, and can also prevent damage to dental restorations and orthodontic appliances. According to studies, athletes without protective mouthguards are about 60 times more likely to sustain dental injuries, with many developing long-term dental problems.

It’s important to note that sports mouthguards are softer than those designed to protect your smile from the effects of grinding and clenching, a condition known as bruxism. Sports mouthguards should not be used to counter bruxism. Instead, you’ll need a custom-crafted hard bite guard, also known as a night guard, to safeguard your smile. 

What Are Your Sports Mouthguard Options?

There are several sports mouthguard varieties, including the following:

• Stock Mouthguards: Stock mouthguards come in different sizes, ready to wear, and are the least costly option. However, they are usually bulky and do not provide a custom fit, which can interfere with breathing and talking.
• Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: You will first place your mouthguard in hot water to soften it, and then mold it around your teeth using your fingers and tongue for a more customized fit. While boil-and-bite mouthguards may fit better than their stock counterparts, they can also be bulky and rarely provide adequate protection for your smile. 
• Custom Mouthguards: Custom mouthguards are crafted from impressions of your teeth, ensuring a perfect fit and the best possible protection for your smile. A custom mouthguard is more comfortable, easier to clean, and never restricts your breathing or speech.

Who Should Wear a Custom Sports Mouthguard?

Consider a sports mouthguard an essential piece of athletic equipment if you or a loved one is engaged in sports activities that involve falls, body contact, or flying equipment. These may include team sports, such as football, basketball, hockey, or baseball, or activities that put you at risk for dental injuries, including skateboarding, mountain biking, or even gymnastics. Wearing a custom mouthguard during athletic activities is key to safeguarding your smile.

Custom Sports Mouthguards Near Me in Hutto, TX

Contact Highlight Family Dentistry to learn more about protecting your smile with a custom-crafted sports mouthguard. Our experienced dentist and patient-centered team are committed to providing the best possible protection for your teeth, gums, and soft tissues, to keep your smile safe and healthy for a lifetime. We invite you to call (512) 886-2644 to schedule an appointment or book one online today!