Sports Mouthguards in Highland IN | Schererville IN Sports Mouthguards

Why mouthguards matter in every sport

Dental injuries from athletic activities are common and often preventable. Whether in organized competition or weekend recreation, impacts to the face and mouth can lead to chipped or knocked-out teeth, soft-tissue lacerations, and injuries to the jaw. Beyond immediate pain and emergency visits, these incidents can require complex restorative work and long-term follow-up. A properly fitted mouthguard is one of the most effective ways to reduce the likelihood and severity of these outcomes by absorbing and dispersing forces before they reach vulnerable oral structures.

Players and parents sometimes assume that mouthguards are only for contact sports, but the reality is broader: any sport where falls or collisions are possible presents risk. Cycling, skateboarding, gymnastics, and many field and court sports pose a threat to teeth and soft tissues. Wearing a mouthguard is a simple preventive step that helps preserve both function and appearance, protecting athletes of all ages from the disruption and cost of dental trauma.

Choosing a mouthguard is about more than compliance with rules; it’s about long-term oral health. Athletic staffs, coaches, and sports organizations often emphasize safety equipment like helmets and pads, but custom dental protection deserves equal attention. When patients understand how mouthguards reduce direct trauma and mitigate secondary injuries — such as cuts to the lips or concussions related to jaw impact — they’re more likely to make consistent use part of their game-day routine.

Types of mouthguards and how they differ

Mouthguards generally fall into three categories: stock (ready-to-wear), boil-and-bite, and custom-made by a dental professional. Stock mouthguards come preformed and offer the most basic protection; they are inexpensive and readily available, but they often fit poorly and can interfere with breathing or speaking. Boil-and-bite models improve fit by allowing the wearer to soften and mold the device at home, which can be a practical choice for casual players when a custom option isn’t feasible.

Custom mouthguards, created from impressions taken by a dentist, provide the best balance of protection, comfort, and performance. Because they’re tailored to the contours of the athlete’s mouth, these guards stay in place more reliably and are less bulky, which helps with breathing and communication during play. They also accommodate orthodontic appliances and specific restorative work, making them the preferred solution for athletes who need both high-level protection and long-term oral care management.

Performance considerations matter: athletes who can breathe and speak comfortably are more likely to keep their mouthguard in place, especially during intense activity. A properly chosen mouthguard should sit securely without constant adjustment, allow for clear speech, and permit unobstructed breathing. For competitive athletes and those with prior dental work, investing in a professionally made mouthguard often results in the most consistent protection and the fewest interruptions to performance.

How a custom dental mouthguard is designed

The process of creating a custom mouthguard begins with a careful evaluation of the patient’s oral anatomy and athletic needs. A dentist will take impressions or use digital scanning to capture precise details of the teeth, bite, and any appliances such as braces. This initial step ensures the final device conforms to the wearer’s mouth, providing a snug fit that minimizes movement and maximizes shock absorption during impact.

After the impressions are taken, the mouthguard is fabricated in a dental laboratory using specialized materials chosen for durability and comfort. Layers of thermoplastic materials are often laminated to achieve the right combination of flexibility and resilience. The result is a device engineered to distribute force away from specific teeth and soft tissues, reduce the risk of jaw fractures, and limit the likelihood of oral lacerations.

One advantage of a professionally made mouthguard is the ability to customize features like thickness, extension over the gum line, and accommodation for orthodontic brackets or implants. Your dentist will work with you to determine the appropriate design based on your sport, position, and any unique dental considerations. Periodic check-ups ensure the guard continues to fit properly as teeth shift or dental work changes over time.

Care, maintenance, and signs it’s time to replace your guard

Keeping a mouthguard clean and well-stored prolongs its effectiveness and reduces the chance of bacterial buildup. Rinse the device with cool water after each use and allow it to air dry before storing it in a ventilated case. Periodically wash the guard with mild soap and a soft brush or use a dentist-recommended cleaning solution. Avoid hot water, which can distort the shape, and never leave the device in direct sunlight or in a hot car where materials can warp.

Regular inspection is important: look for thinning, tears, persistent odors, or changes in fit that can signal diminished protection. For growing athletes, especially children and adolescents, more frequent replacement may be necessary as jaw and tooth positions change. Even the highest-quality mouthguards have finite lifespans; routine evaluation during dental visits helps determine whether adjustments or a new fabrication are warranted.

Storage and handling are easy habits that pay off. Always carry the mouthguard in a protective case, and keep it away from pets and high temperatures. Discourage chewing or altering the device, since this damages its protective properties. If a mouthguard becomes uncomfortable or no longer seats correctly, schedule an evaluation — a prompt replacement prevents gaps in protection that could lead to injury.

Selecting the right mouthguard for young athletes and those with dental work

Children, teens, and adults with braces, bridges, or implants need tailored solutions. Growing mouths require guards that can be re-evaluated as development occurs, and orthodontic patients often need specially designed mouthguards that accommodate brackets without sacrificing fit. A dentist can recommend options that protect both the natural teeth and the orthodontic appliances while allowing space for ongoing treatment.

For athletes with crowns, implants, or other restorations, protecting the investment in dental work is a priority. A custom mouthguard can be designed to distribute force in a way that minimizes pressure on prosthetic teeth and supported structures. In cases where a standard design won’t suffice, a dentist can create a more comprehensive appliance that offers enhanced coverage and stability.

Age and level of play influence the recommendation as well. For younger athletes just starting organized sports, a well-fitting boil-and-bite guard may be a reasonable short-term choice, but parents should plan for professional assessment as their child progresses. Competitive players and athletes with complex dental situations typically benefit most from the precision and longevity of a custom-made guard.

Protecting your smile during sports is a straightforward step with lasting benefits. A well-chosen mouthguard reduces the risk of acute dental trauma and the need for more invasive care later on. The practice at Artistic Family Dental can help evaluate your needs, discuss suitable options, and ensure you or your athlete leave the office with a comfortable, effective solution. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an evaluation so you can play with confidence and protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should athletes wear mouthguards even in non-contact sports?

Dental and facial injuries can occur in any activity that involves speed, height, or the potential for a fall. Even sports that are not traditionally considered contact activities, such as cycling, skateboarding, gymnastics, and track, expose participants to impacts that can chip, displace, or knock out teeth. A mouthguard provides a protective barrier that helps absorb and disperse forces before they reach delicate oral structures.

Wearing a mouthguard also reduces soft-tissue injuries like cuts to the lips and inner cheeks, which can lead to bleeding and infection. By preventing or minimizing damage, a mouthguard helps athletes avoid complex restorative treatment and time away from sport. Making a mouthguard part of routine equipment is a simple, preventive step that preserves both function and appearance.

What are the main types of sports mouthguards and how do they compare?

Mouthguards are commonly available as stock, boil-and-bite, and custom-made devices. Stock guards are ready to wear straight from the shelf and are inexpensive, but they often fit poorly and can interfere with breathing and speech. Boil-and-bite models allow the wearer to soften and mold the guard at home for an improved fit, making them a practical short-term choice for casual players.

Custom mouthguards are fabricated from impressions or digital scans taken by a dentist and provide the best combination of protection, comfort, and durability. Because they are tailored to an individual’s bite and contours, custom guards sit more securely, support clearer breathing and speech, and can be designed to accommodate orthodontic appliances or restorations. For athletes who need consistent performance and long-term protection, a professionally made guard is usually the preferred option.

How is a custom sports mouthguard made at the dental office?

The process begins with a clinical evaluation of the patient’s oral anatomy, bite, and athletic needs. A dentist takes impressions or performs a digital scan to capture precise tooth and jaw relationships, which ensures the final appliance conforms accurately to the mouth. Those records are used by a dental laboratory to fabricate a mouthguard from layered thermoplastic materials selected for resilience and comfort.

Laboratory fabrication permits customization of thickness, extension over the gum line, and adaptations for braces, crowns, or implants. The finished guard is adjusted in the office to verify fit, occlusion, and comfort, and the dentist will recommend follow-up checks to maintain protection as teeth or appliances change. This tailored approach maximizes shock absorption while minimizing bulk and interference with breathing and speech.

How should I care for and store a sports mouthguard?

Proper care extends a mouthguard’s service life and reduces bacterial buildup. Rinse the device with cool water after each use and allow it to air dry before storing it in a ventilated protective case. Periodically clean the guard with mild soap and a soft brush or use a dentist-recommended cleaning solution to remove deposits and odors.

Avoid hot water, direct sunlight, and high temperatures because heat can warp the material and change the fit. Keep the guard away from pets and discourage chewing or cutting, which damages protective properties. Regular inspection and careful handling are simple habits that preserve effectiveness and hygiene.

When should a mouthguard be replaced?

Replace a mouthguard if you notice thinning, tears, persistent odors, or changes in how it fits the teeth. Any visible damage or a guard that no longer seats securely reduces protection and increases the risk of injury. For growing children and adolescents, more frequent replacement is often necessary as the jaw and tooth positions shift.

In addition to routine self-checks, ask your dentist to evaluate the guard during regular visits to determine whether adjustments or a new fabrication are warranted. Significant dental work, changes in orthodontic treatment, or after a forceful impact are all valid reasons to reassess the device. Prompt replacement prevents unintended gaps in protection.

Can athletes with braces, crowns, or implants use a mouthguard safely?

Yes, but these situations require careful selection and sometimes specialized design. Orthodontic appliances change the shape of the mouth and can create pressure points, so standard stock guards may not fit properly and could interfere with treatment. Custom mouthguards can be made to accommodate brackets and wires while still providing secure coverage and shock absorption.

For crowns, implants, or other restorations, a mouthguard can be engineered to distribute forces in a way that protects prosthetic work and the supporting structures. Your dentist can recommend materials, thickness, and extension choices that minimize stress on restorations while preserving comfort and function. Professional guidance ensures both the natural teeth and dental work remain protected during activity.

Do mouthguards help reduce the risk of concussion?

Mouthguards primarily protect teeth and soft tissues by absorbing and dispersing impact, but they may also play a secondary role in reducing forces transmitted to the jaw. Some research suggests that a properly fitted mouthguard can help lower the intensity of jaw-related forces that, in certain circumstances, contribute to head acceleration. By stabilizing the jaw, a mouthguard can mitigate one of several pathways linked to concussion risk.

It is important to recognize that mouthguards do not eliminate the possibility of concussion and should not be relied upon as the sole preventive strategy. Helmets, rule enforcement, safe technique, and proper coaching remain critical for head injury prevention. Nonetheless, a well-designed mouthguard is a valuable component of a multi-layered approach to athlete safety.

How do mouthguards affect breathing, speaking, and athletic performance?

Bulk and fit are the main factors that influence breathing and speech while wearing a mouthguard. Ill-fitting or overly thick guards can obstruct airflow and make verbal communication difficult, which may lead athletes to remove them during play. Custom mouthguards are less bulky and designed to stay in place, helping athletes maintain clear breathing and effective communication.

Athletes should try their mouthguard during practice to ensure it does not impede performance and to become comfortable with breathing patterns and speech. Position-specific needs may influence design choices; for example, athletes who require frequent verbal direction may prioritize a slimmer profile. A mouthguard that balances protection with unobstructed function encourages consistent use and better on-field performance.

How can I tell if my mouthguard fits properly?

A properly fitting mouthguard should feel snug, stay in place without constant adjustment, and allow for clear speech and unobstructed breathing. It should not cause soreness, gagging, or persistent pressure points. When seated correctly, the guard will protect the upper teeth and overlie the gum line without excessive bulk.

If the guard moves, causes discomfort, or interferes with normal function, have it evaluated by your dentist. Small adjustments can often improve comfort and retention, but persistent issues may mean a new or revised appliance is necessary. Regular checks during dental visits help ensure the device continues to fit well as dental conditions change.

How can Artistic Family Dental help athletes get the right sports mouthguard?

The practice at Artistic Family Dental offers clinical evaluation, impressions or digital scans, and laboratory fabrication tailored to each athlete’s needs. During an initial appointment, the dentist assesses oral anatomy, dental restorations, and the specific demands of the sport to determine the most appropriate design. Custom options accommodate braces, crowns, and implants and are adjusted in-office to verify fit and comfort.

Follow-up appointments allow the team to check fit over time and recommend replacements or modifications as teeth shift or treatment progresses. Athletes and parents can schedule an evaluation to discuss materials, thickness, and the best practices for care and storage, ensuring a durable solution that supports both safety and performance.

Sports Mouthguards