Mouthguards: A Must-Have This Sports Season
Updated 12-05-2025
As summer wraps up, back to school is right around the corner—which also means high school football and other youth sports will soon kick off. If you have a teen athlete hitting the field this year, make sure they have a key piece of protective equipment that’s just as important as their helmet and pads—a proper mouthguard.
Mouthguards at Erik P. Cadra, DMD are simple, practical tools that can prevent serious dental injuries, making them a must-have for athletes of any age. When someone is engaged in an activity where their face can potentially come in contact with something hard—like another player, a ball, the pavement, or any hard object—a mouthguard should be worn. This includes football and other contact sports, including baseball, hockey, biking, weightlifting, tennis, soccer, basketball, and many others.
Sports Injury Facts
- Athletes are sixty times more likely to damage their teeth if they do not wear a mouthguard.
- 11% to 18% of all sports injuries involve facial injuries.
- 3% to 39% of all dental injuries are sports-related.
- Children ages 7 to 11 are the most vulnerable to sports-related mouth injuries.
- 67% of parents admit their child doesn’t wear a mouthguard while playing organized sports.
- Each year, $500 million is spent repairing or restoring knocked-out or damaged teeth.
How Do Mouthguards Work?
A mouthguard is a flexible, protective device worn over the teeth and gums. It works by absorbing and distributing the force from an impact, helping to prevent chipped or broken teeth, jaw injuries, and even concussions. For sports like football, where collisions are part of the game, a properly fitted mouthguard can differentiate between a healthy smile and a dental emergency.
Beyond shielding teeth from direct trauma, mouthguards protect the lips, tongue, and cheeks from injury caused by accidental bites. They help reduce the risk of tooth displacement and fractures and can safeguard braces or other orthodontic work from damage. Cushioning the jaw may also lower the risk of specific joint injuries and lessen the force transmitted to the head.
What Types of Mouthguards Are Available?
Several different types of mouthguards are available, each differing in cost, comfort, and level of protection. Because different sports involve various levels of risk and potential injury, it’s best to speak with our team before selecting a mouthguard, so we can help you choose the right option.
- Customized Mouthguards: These are crafted from a full-mouth impression taken in our office and sent to a dental lab for fabrication. Custom mouthguards offer the highest protection and comfort without interfering with speech or breathing. They are adjustable for all sports but typically cost more than commercially made mouthguards.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: Typically available from sporting goods or department stores, these guards are boiled in water for a period of time and then formed to the teeth by applying pressure. While these fit better than stock or commercial mouthguards, they tend to wear out quickly, be difficult to adapt to orthodontic appliances, and cause issues with speaking and breathing.
- Stock or Commercial Mouthguards: These rubber or vinyl guards are also sold in sporting goods or department stores and are the most inexpensive option. However, they cannot be fitted to your mouth, offer the least amount of protection, don’t stay in place well, and can cause breathing/speaking problems.
Customized Mouthguards Vs. Store-Bought
While store-bought “boil-and-bite” and general mouthguards are available, a custom-fit mouthguard from our team will provide the strongest level of comfort and protection. The process starts with a quick impression of your child’s teeth. From this mold, a dental lab fabricates the mouthguard to fit perfectly, stay secure during play, and allow normal breathing and speaking. Custom mouthguards are more durable, which means they can last through sports seasons with proper care.
How Can I Clean My Mouthguard?
To ensure your mouthguard functions properly, you’ll need to take good care of it. Wash it in cool, soapy water and rinse it well before and after each use. For even better protection against germs and bacteria, brush the guard with a toothbrush and toothpaste before and after every use. Also, don’t chew on the mouthguard, don’t wear removable retainers with your mouthguard, and replace your mouthguard when it shows signs of wear and tear.
Mouthguards Are Essential Safety Equipment
Whether for high school football or any other contact sport you or your child is involved with, consider a mouthguard an essential safety device—not an optional accessory. A mouthguard is a small investment in their oral health that can prevent costly, painful injuries and keep them confident on the field.
Need a mouthguard for the upcoming football season or have additional questions? We’re here to help. Contact our expert team today!