When people think of mouthguards, they often picture football players or boxers. While those athletes certainly benefit from wearing one, they’re far from the only people who should protect their teeth during sports. Dental injuries can happen in a wide variety of activities, and a single impact to the face can result in chipped teeth, broken teeth, soft tissue injuries, or even tooth loss.
A good rule of thumb is simple: if there’s any chance of getting hit in the face, wearing a mouthguard is a smart decision.
Sports That Commonly Require Mouthguards
Contact sports are among the most obvious activities where mouthguards are recommended. These sports involve frequent collisions between players and a higher risk of facial injuries.
Some examples include:
- Football
- Hockey
- Rugby
- Boxing
- Wrestling
- Martial arts
- Lacrosse
In these sports, a properly fitted mouthguard can provide an important layer of protection against impacts that might otherwise damage your teeth, gums, lips, or jaw.
Don’t Overlook Non-Contact Sports
Many dental injuries occur in sports that aren’t traditionally considered contact sports. Accidental falls, collisions, flying equipment, and unexpected impacts can happen even when direct player-to-player contact is limited.
Athletes may benefit from wearing a mouthguard while participating in:
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Baseball
- Softball
- Volleyball
- Skateboarding
- Cycling
- Gymnastics
- Surfing
- Mountain biking
Even recreational athletes can experience accidents that lead to dental emergencies. Wearing a mouthguard offers protection whether you’re competing at a high level or simply enjoying a weekend activity.
How Mouthguards Protect Your Smile
A mouthguard acts as a cushion between your teeth and potential impacts. Instead of force being concentrated on a single tooth or area of the mouth, the guard helps distribute the pressure more evenly.
This protection can help reduce the risk of:
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Lip and cheek injuries
- Tongue injuries
- Jaw trauma
- Damage to dental restorations such as crowns or veneers
For athletes who have invested time and money into maintaining a healthy smile, a mouthguard is one of the easiest ways to protect that investment.
Protection Beyond Your Teeth
Many people are surprised to learn that mouthguards can help protect more than just teeth. By creating a cushioning effect between the upper and lower jaws, they may also help reduce the severity of certain jaw injuries during sports-related impacts.
While no piece of equipment can prevent every injury, a mouthguard can significantly reduce the force transmitted through the mouth and jaw during an accident.
Choosing the Right Mouthguard
Not all mouthguards provide the same level of protection. Store-bought options can offer basic protection, but they may feel bulky or fit poorly.
Custom-made mouthguards are designed specifically for your teeth and bite. Because they fit comfortably and securely, athletes are often more likely to wear them consistently. A better fit can also make it easier to breathe and speak during practices and games.
The most effective mouthguard is the one you actually wear every time you play.
Make Mouthguards Part of Your Game Plan
Whether you’re participating in a high-contact sport or an activity where falls and collisions can occur unexpectedly, wearing a mouthguard is a simple step that can help prevent painful and costly dental injuries. A few moments of protection today could save your smile from significant damage tomorrow.
About the Practice
Painted Skies Dental Center provides comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages, with a strong emphasis on prevention and long-term oral health. Dr. Natalie J. Ortiz and Dr. Ramon M. Ortiz specialize in custom mouthguards and other preventive services designed to help protect smiles both on and off the field. We are committed to helping patients maintain healthy teeth and gums through personalized care and education.
Call us at (575) 521-8720 or schedule your appointment online.