Did you know that up to 40% of all dental injuries are sports-related? And athletes who don’t wear a mouthguard are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries than those who do.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a growing child, or a competitive athlete, protecting your smile should be a top priority. A properly fitted mouthguard is one of the most effective ways to prevent dental trauma and keep your teeth safe during play.
Why Are Mouthguards So Important?
Mouthguards are designed to cushion the impact to the teeth and jaw, reducing the risk of:
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Broken or knocked-out teeth
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Cuts to the lips, cheeks, and tongue
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Jaw fractures
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Even concussions (by absorbing shock and stabilizing the jaw during impact)
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), mouthguard use has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of sports-related dental injuries, and they recommend wearing a properly fitted mouthguard to reduce the incidence and severity of oral injuries.
Types of Mouthguards – Which One Is Right for You?
| Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Fabricated | Professionally made by a dentist using an exact model of your teeth | All sports; ideal for contact sports – offers the best protection and comfort |
| Boil & Bite | Moulded at home after softening in hot water | Recreational athletes; basic protection |
| Stock (Ready-Made) | Pre-formed; poor fit and minimal protection | Not recommended by dentists |
Which Sports Require Mouthguards?
Any sport with potential for facial impact puts your teeth at risk. This includes:
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Contact sports: Football, hockey, boxing, rugby, martial arts
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Sports with high-speed projectiles: Baseball, cricket, tennis, badminton
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Sports with risk of falls: Gymnastics, skating, cycling
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Basketball and soccer (where accidental elbows and collisions are common)
What to Do in a Dental Emergency on the Field
For a Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth:
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Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part)—do not touch the root
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If dirty, rinse with milk or saliva—never scrub or use soap
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Keep the tooth moist—place it back in the socket, between your cheek and gum, or in milk
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See a dentist within 30-60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth
For a Fractured Tooth:
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Rinse your mouth with warm water
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Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
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Save any pieces if possible
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See us as soon as possible
A Note for Parents
An American Association of Orthodontists survey found that while 99% of parents believe children in organized sports should wear mouthguards, 37% said their child never wears one while playing. Don’t let your child be part of this statistic. A custom-fitted mouthguard is a small investment that can save your child from a lifetime of dental problems.
At Dr. Sidhu’s Dental Clinic, we offer professionally fabricated, custom-fitted mouthguards for athletes of all ages. Our sports dentistry services are led by Dr. Maninder Singh Sidhu (MDS – Orthodontics | Diplomate, Indian Board of Orthodontics).
