Sports Mouth Guard

In the world of sports, particularly contact sports, protecting your smile is just as important as protecting other parts of your body. At Timothy H. Kindt, DDS we specialize in family dentistry, and we understand the critical role that sports mouthguards play in preventing dental injuries that could require extensive cosmetic dentistry or restorative dentistry treatments later on.

Why Are Sports Mouthguards Essential?

Wearing a well-fitted mouthguard in any contact sport can prevent dental and orofacial injuries. These protective devices reduce the shock of impact on your teeth and jaw joints while minimizing the risk of lacerations to the soft tissues of your face and mouth. For athletes in high-impact sports like boxing, football, or hockey, the repeated trauma to the face over the course of a career can be substantial. Without proper protection, athletes risk broken jaws, lacerated tongues, and tooth loss.

The American Dental Association strongly recommends using a custom-fitted, quality mouthguard for any sport with a significant risk of dental or facial injury. This recommendation is backed by sobering statistics: over five million teeth are lost annually in the United States. Such injuries can dramatically impact an athlete's quality of life and performance ability.

As specialists in family dentistry, we believe in protecting smiles at every age, but these statistics highlight the particular importance of proper mouth protection for younger athletes.

Common Misconceptions About Sports Mouthguards

Many sports guards of different colors showcasing the variety of mouth and teeth protection options.

Many athletes labor under the misconception that mouthguards primarily prevent concussions by reducing shock to the brain when biting down. However, no credible research supports the claim that any protective equipment, including mouthguards, prevents concussions. The primary function of mouthguards is to prevent orofacial and dental injuries.

Another common misconception is that mouthguards are unnecessary in sports with lower concussion rates. This overlooks the primary purpose of these devices: protecting teeth and soft tissues from direct impact. Even in sports without formal mandates, the risk of dental injury remains. The National Federation of State High School Associations has mandated mouthguards for ice hockey, field hockey, lacrosse, football, and wrestling (specifically for wrestlers with braces), but many other sports would benefit from their use as well.

Types of Sports Mouthguards

When selecting a mouthguard, several factors come into play, including fit, comfort, material, and effectiveness. There are three main types to consider.

Stock Mouthguards

These ready-made options come in various sizes and are readily available at sporting goods stores. While they serve their basic purpose, they often make breathing and speech more difficult due to their generic fit. They provide the least protection and comfort of all options.

Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards

This design requires boiling the mouthguard and then biting into it while still warm, allowing it to take the shape of your dental structure. These provide a better fit than stock guards but still fall short of custom solutions.

Custom-Fitted Mouthguards

Created by dental professionals, these mouthguards are made from impressions of your teeth. They offer superior protection, comfort, and durability. Custom mouthguards allow for easier breathing and speaking, which can significantly improve athletic performance. As practitioners of cosmetic dentistry, we understand the importance of not just protection but also comfort and functionality.

Modern Mouthguard Technology

Many athletes have mixed feelings about using mouthguards. Common complaints include forgetting to wear them, degradation over time, speech impairment, and breathing difficulties. However, dental fabrication technology has evolved significantly beyond the reputation of older boil-and-bite models.

Today's custom mouthguards provide a more comfortable, compact fit while offering superior protection. They feature even thickness throughout, distributing shock equally across the teeth. For athletes with dental work such as dental implants, this even distribution of force is particularly important to protect both the natural teeth and the restorative work.

How to Wear a Sports Mouthguard

For most athletes, mouthguards are recommended for the upper jaw, as these teeth typically protrude more and would receive greater impact during a collision. However, there are exceptions, such as when wearing braces, where a lower jaw mouthguard might be recommended. As experts in restorative dentistry, we can provide specific guidance based on your unique dental situation.

Proper Care for Your Mouthguard

Maintaining your mouthguard is essential for both its effectiveness and your oral health. Follow these guidelines to extend its lifespan and keep it hygienic:

•	Clean your teeth thoroughly before wearing your mouthguard to prevent bacteria transfer.
•	After use, clean the mouthguard with soap and water, then dry completely.
•	Store in a ventilated plastic case to maintain its shape and cleanliness.
•	Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources, which can cause warping.
•	Replace your mouthguard every six months or at the end of each season.
•	Bring your mouthguard to regular dental check-ups so your dentist can assess its condition.

The Value of Professional Advice

While stock and boil-and-bite options are available over the counter, consulting with our dental professionals at Timothy H. Kindt, DDS about sports mouthguards offers several advantages. We can assess your specific needs, especially if you have had previous cosmetic dentistry work or require restorative dentistry treatments.

For athletes who have had dental Implants or other dental work, protection becomes even more critical. The investment in dental restoration makes preventing further damage especially important, and a custom-fitted mouthguard provides the best protection available.

Whether you're a professional athlete, weekend warrior, or parent of a young sports enthusiast, investing in a quality mouthguard is a small price to pay compared to the potential cost of dental injuries. From preventing the need for extensive restorative dentistry to protecting previous cosmetic dentistry work, mouthguards are an essential piece of athletic equipment.

Our practice is committed to providing the highest quality custom mouthguards for athletes of all ages and sports. We understand that protecting your smile is protecting your future, both on and off the field. Contact us today at (480) 939-5818 to learn more about our custom-fitted mouthguard options and how we can help you play with confidence, while keeping your smile safe and bright.

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1244 N Greenfield Rd, Suite 105
Mesa, AZ85205-4078

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Sports Mouth Guard Mesa AZ
There are several types of sports mouth guards & many crucial benefits for youth & adult athletes alike. Call our Mesa office to schedule a custom-fit!
Timothy H. Kindt, DDS, 1244 N Greenfield Road, Suite 105, Mesa, AZ 85205 ~ (480) 939-5818 ~ drkindt.com ~ 7/10/2025 ~ Related Phrases: dentist Mesa AZ ~