If you or your child participates in contact sports, dental protection should be considered essential gear. A custom sports guard is not just a standard piece of equipment—it is a personalized shield for your teeth, gums, and jaw. Unlike store-bought mouthguards, a custom mouthguard is made by a dentist to fit your mouth exactly. This makes it more comfortable to wear and gives you better protection. It helps absorb hits to the face, which can prevent injuries such as chipped teeth, jaw injuries, and even concussions from happening.
From organized youth leagues to adult recreational teams, athletes at every level face risks during play. While helmets and pads are standard in many sports, oral protection is often overlooked. Understanding the purpose and benefits of a custom sports guard can help reduce long-term consequences from sports-related oral injuries.
What Is a Custom Sports Guard?
A custom sports guard is a specially designed mouthpiece created by a dentist to fit your mouth perfectly. It helps protect your teeth by softening the blow if you get hit in the face while playing sports. This can help prevent chipped teeth, jaw injuries, and other oral health issues. Unlike store-bought mouthguards that require shaping by boiling, a custom sports guard is made specifically for you using a teeth model.
Your dentist creates the guard using a digital or physical impression of your teeth. This leads to a more secure fit, greater comfort, and enhanced protection. The custom fit also helps keep the guard in place during movement, allowing athletes to speak and breathe freely without distractions. This kind of fit becomes especially important in high-intensity or contact sports where focus and safety are essential.
Custom mouthguards do more than just fit well. They last longer than store-bought versions, offer better gum and soft tissue protection, and can be tailored for specific sports—whether you need a football mouthguard, basketball mouthguard, or something else. Some studies even suggest that custom mouthguards may help reduce the risk of concussions by absorbing more shock to the jaw and skull.
Who Needs a Custom Sports Guard?
Anyone participating in contact or high-impact sports should consider using a dentist-made mouthguard. This includes sports like:
- Football
- Basketball
- Hockey
- Soccer
- Wrestling
- Lacrosse
- Skateboarding
- Baseball/Softball
- Field Hockey
- Rugby
- Martial Arts
- Boxing
- Rollerblading
- Volleyball
The American Dental Association strongly recommends custom mouthguards for athletes of all ages. This is not just about preventing a chipped tooth—it is about protecting the entire oral and facial structure.
Young athletes are especially vulnerable. A hit to the mouth during a youth football game or a fall during gymnastics can lead to lifelong dental issues. Including a custom dental appliance as part of your youth sports safety routine offers peace of mind and long-term protection.
Even low-contact sports, such as mountain biking or softball, can lead to accidents. A night guard for teeth grinding isn’t made for sports. Mouthguards and night guards serve different purposes—one protects during play, while the other helps with grinding at night.
Caring for Your Mouthguard
Proper care helps extend the life of your sports guard and prevents the accumulation of harmful bacteria. After each use, rinse it with cool water and gently brush it with a soft toothbrush. Always allow it to air dry completely before placing it in a ventilated storage case.
Avoid leaving your mouthguard in a hot car or exposing it to high temperatures, as this can cause the material to warp and compromise its fit. If the guard starts to feel loose, shows visible wear, or causes discomfort, it is likely time for a replacement.
Getting a custom mouthguard begins with a simple consultation. A dentist-fitted mouthguard takes just a few minutes and results in a guard designed specifically for your mouth. With proper care, a custom sports guard can last for several sports seasons.
Protect Your Smile, Protect Your Game
Accidents happen, but many sports-related dental injuries are preventable. Adding a dentist-recommended mouthguard to your gear is not just a smart move—it is an essential one.
At Babylon Dental Care, we help athletes of all ages stay safe on the field, court, or rink. Whether playing in a weekend tournament or gearing up for the school season, a professionally made mouthguard is one of the most effective safety equipment choices for sports.
To schedule a custom fitting or learn more about sports-related dental protection, call (631) 983-6665 today. Let’s keep your smile in the game.
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The Importance of Wearing a Mouth Guard to Prevent Sports-Related Injuries