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If you participate in a contact sport, like football, basketball, or soccer, having a mouthguard is a must. Even those who take part in sports where contact with a ball is possible, as well as skateboarders, BMX bikers, and those who rollerblade, can benefit from a protective mouthpiece, limiting the chance of serious injury or tooth damage.
Mouthguards are made of strong, flexible materials that are designed to protect your teeth, gums, and jaw in case of an impact. If you’re wondering how a mouthguard can protect you while playing sports, here are three of the primary ways.
Why Mouthguards Are Important
Participating in sports and recreational activities, especially those involving contact, collisions, or high-velocity impacts, places your teeth, gums, and lips at risk. Your dentist can help limit sports injuries by recommending and fitting a properly designed mouthguard, protecting your child’s smile and reducing the risk of dental trauma.
Here are the key reasons why a mouthguard is a must-have for virtually any sport where accidental impact is possible:
Protection from tooth damage: A well-fitted mouthguard provides a cushioning layer that helps absorb and redistribute the force of a blow to the face, lowering the chance of chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth.
Safeguarding soft tissues: By covering the upper teeth and partly the lower arch in some designs, mouthguards also protect the lips, tongue and inner cheeks from being cut or lacerated by teeth during an impact.
Jaw and bone protection: Impacts to the jaw can lead to fractures or dislocations. Mouthguards help cushion the blow and stabilize the jaw, reducing the likelihood of such severe outcomes.
Broader injury mitigation: While the evidence is less concrete, some research suggests that mouthguards may assist in reducing transmitted forces to the head and neck region—which could potentially help limit the risk or severity of concussions. The ADA notes that the data is mixed, but the primary role remains dental and facial protection.
Effective prevention: Treating dental trauma (e.g., tooth loss, root damage, jaw fractures) can be painful, complicated and expensive. Wearing a mouthguard is a simple preventive step with big payoff.
If you play any sport where there’s risk of contact or impact—even sports not normally labelled “high contact”—a mouthguard isn’t optional, it’s intelligent.
Types of Mouthguards
When choosing a mouthguard, it helps to know the main categories, how they differ in fit, protection and cost. The key types commonly used in El Paso are:
| Type | Description & Fit |
|---|---|
| Stock (Ready-Made) | Pre-formed, one-size-fits-all mouthguards available at sporting goods stores. They are inexpensive but often fit poorly, offering limited protection and comfort. |
| Boil-and-Bite (Mouth-Formed) | Made from thermoplastic material that softens in hot water. You bite into the mouthguard to shape it to your teeth for a semi-custom fit. Offers better protection and comfort than stock options. |
| Custom-Made (Dentist or Lab-Fabricated) | Created by a dentist or dental lab using an impression of your mouth. Provides the best fit, comfort, and protection, and can accommodate unique dental needs. |
How Mouthguards Keep You Safe
- Absorb Force
Any impact to the face or jaw involves force. A mouthguard absorbs some of the energy, ensuring the potential harm caused by the impact is limited.
For example, a mouthguard can keep your teeth from being slammed together thanks to its cushioning effect. Mouthguards can also prevent certain serious head injuries, including decreasing the chances of having a jaw fracture and even protecting against neck trauma.
- Prevent Broken Teeth
Another benefit of using a mouthguard is its ability to distribute any energy directed at the teeth. For example, if you are hit in the mouth with a baseball, the mouthguard spreads out the effect of the impact. This can prevent broken teeth by limiting the chances that a single tooth will take the full brunt of the blow.
- Stop Lip and Tongue Injuries
Mouthguards completely cover the upper teeth, creating a functional barrier between your teeth and the rest of your mouth. This can decrease the likelihood of lip and tongue injuries by making it harder for your teeth to cut your lip or bite into your tongue.
With a custom mouthguard, you can make sure that you get a quality, comfortable fit. Your custom mouthguard won’t impede your ability to take part in your favorite activities while providing you with the highest level of protection.
If you need a mouthguard, your El Paso dentist can make sure you get the ideal one based on your needs. Schedule your appointment with our dental office today and see how the right mouthguard can make all of the difference.
Call our dental specialists to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.
