Whether you play contact sports like football and hockey or non-contact activities like skateboarding, basketball, or mountain biking, one quick collision can cost you a tooth. A chipped, knocked-out, or fractured tooth is one of the most common and most preventable sports injuries, yet many athletes step onto the field without any protection for their smile. A properly fitted mouthguard is a simple, affordable piece of gear that cushions the impact of a blow to the face, shields your teeth and gums, and may even help reduce the force transmitted to your jaw. At Infinite Dental Wellness in Glendale, CA, we help athletes of every age guard their smiles so a great season never ends in the dental chair.
Why Mouthguards Matter for Athletes
A direct hit to the mouth can do far more than crack a tooth. Without protection, the lower teeth can be driven into the upper teeth, the lips and cheeks can be cut against sharp edges, and the jaw can absorb a jarring shock. A mouthguard works like a shock absorber, spreading the force of an impact across a larger surface so no single tooth takes the full blow. It also creates a soft barrier between your teeth and the delicate tissues of your lips and cheeks.
The injuries a mouthguard helps prevent are not just painful, they are expensive and time-consuming to repair. Replacing or restoring a damaged tooth often involves dental crowns, bonding, or other restorative work over multiple visits. Prevention is always easier than repair.
- Chipped, cracked, or completely knocked-out teeth
- Cuts and bruises to the lips, cheeks, and tongue
- Damage to existing dental work such as crowns or fillings
- Jaw soreness and trauma from sudden impact
- Root and nerve injuries that can lead to a root canal
Types of Mouthguards
Not all mouthguards offer the same level of protection. The right choice depends on your sport, your age, and how much comfort and durability you want. There are three main options to consider.
Stock Mouthguards
Sold ready-to-wear at most sporting goods stores, stock mouthguards are the cheapest option but offer the least protection. They come in only a few sizes, cannot be adjusted, and are often bulky enough to make talking and breathing difficult. Many athletes find they fall out easily during play.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
These are softened in hot water and then bitten into for a closer fit. A boil-and-bite guard fits better than a stock version and costs more, but it still cannot match the precision of a custom guard. Over time these guards can lose their shape, especially for growing children.
Custom-Fitted Mouthguards
Made from a precise impression of your teeth, a custom mouthguard from your dentist offers the best fit, comfort, and protection. Because it is built specifically for your bite, it stays in place, allows easy breathing and speech, and is less likely to be left in the gym bag. For serious or frequent athletes, a custom guard is the smartest investment.
Choosing the Right Mouthguard
When deciding which mouthguard is right for you or your child, comfort is just as important as protection. A guard that feels uncomfortable simply will not get worn, no matter how protective it is. Keep these factors in mind as you choose.
- Consider your sport and its risk of contact or falls
- Account for growth in children and teens whose teeth are still changing
- Prioritize a snug fit that stays in place without constant adjusting
- Make sure you can breathe and speak comfortably while wearing it
- Ask your dentist whether a custom guard makes sense for your activity level
Our team can recommend the right option during a routine dental checkup and, when appropriate, fabricate a custom mouth guard tailored to your bite. We also help families coordinate guards for kids playing youth and school sports.
Caring for Your Mouthguard
A mouthguard only protects you if it stays clean and intact. Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments, so proper care keeps your guard hygienic and extends its life. Rinse it before and after every use, brush it gently with a toothbrush, and let it dry completely before storing it in a ventilated case. Keep it away from hot surfaces and direct sunlight, which can warp the material. Bring your guard to your dental visits so we can check it for wear, and replace it whenever it becomes torn, loose, or no longer fits, especially for growing children.
Mouthguards for Kids and Teens
Young athletes need special attention when it comes to mouth protection. Their teeth, jaws, and bite are still developing, which means a guard that fit perfectly at the start of one season may be too small by the next. Children involved in youth leagues, school teams, or weekend sports should have their guards checked regularly to make sure they still fit well and protect both the baby and adult teeth. Encouraging kids to wear their guard every practice and game, not just during big competitions, builds a lifelong habit of protecting their smile. As a family dentist, we make it easy to keep the whole household's guards up to date during regular visits.
A comfortable, well-fitting guard also helps young players keep it in their mouth rather than tucked in a pocket. When a guard is bulky or loose, kids are far more likely to remove it, leaving their teeth exposed at the worst possible moment. A custom-made guard solves this problem and gives parents peace of mind.
Mouthguards Beyond the Field
Mouthguards are not only for athletes. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, a custom night guard protects your enamel from wear and can ease jaw tension and morning soreness. If you experience jaw pain or suspect a TMJ issue, our team can evaluate whether a protective appliance would help relieve the strain on your joints and muscles. Whatever your reason for needing oral protection, a professionally made guard offers comfort and reliability that store-bought versions simply cannot match. Investing in the right guard today helps you avoid the cost and inconvenience of repairing a damaged smile down the road.
Protect your smile before the next game day. The team at Infinite Dental Wellness in Glendale, CA, led by USC-trained dentists Dr. Leon Kiraj and Dr. Liana Muradyan, can fit you or your young athlete with a custom mouthguard that combines comfort and confidence. Call us today at (818) 541-1110 to schedule your visit and keep your smile in the game.