The Dangers of Not Using a Mouthguard

For more than half a century, the American Dental Association has recommended the use of a properly-fitted mouthguard to reduce the risk of oral injury while participating in sports. Although mouthguards do not guarantee someone will not sustain an oral injury, athletes become 60 times more likely to get hurt when not wearing one. Hard hits and flying projectiles can all translate into a nightmare for the teeth and jaw.

A custom-fitted mouthguard, worn over the top teeth, protects the teeth from the surrounding soft tissue, absorbs shock, and stabilizes the jaw during a hit. Consider many risks associated with not wearing a mouth guard, including broken or lost teeth, jaw injuries, lacerated lips and cheeks, and damage to orthodontic appliances.

Broken or Lost Teeth

Teeth, although hard, can break. Playing sports without a proper mouthguard leaves the teeth at risk of taking a hard blow without any cushion. This can cause teeth to crack, fracture, or even fall out completely. A cracked or damaged tooth signifies a severe dental emergency.

Jaw Injuries

Jaw injuries commonly occur in sports. Mouthguards prevent or greatly reduce their seriousness by cushioning the jaw and reducing the amount of shock it takes during a hit. Teeth, designed to chew food, can also do damage to the soft tissues of the mouth when left uncovered. A mouthguard can help protect the mouth from punctures or lacerations.

Damage to Orthodontic Appliances

Braces or other orthodontia present a unique challenge that only a custom-fit mouthguard done at a dentist's office can address. This type of mouthguard can be made for the upper and lower teeth. It will not only protect the teeth but also prevent the metal wires and brackets from potentially ripping into the soft tissues of the mouth.

“Hard hits and flying projectiles can all translate into a nightmare for the teeth and jaw.”

The Risks of Store-Bought Alternatives

Not all sports mouthguards are created equally. A custom mouth guard fitted by a dentist will provide the most protection as it offers a tailored fit for the unique shape of the upper teeth. This level of smile security cannot be matched by a generic mouthguard found at a sporting goods store.

Stock and boil and bite mouthguards take the "one size fits all" approach to protecting the teeth and jaws. As a result, they remain uncomfortable and make it difficult for players to breathe or talk. Generic mouthguards tear easier, do not fit correctly, and consist of a weaker material, which are not enough when playing contact sports.

An investment in a custom-fit mouthguard also represents an investment in an athlete's long-term oral health. The materials used remain durable, yet still allow the athlete to breathe and talk with ease. However, using a temporary mouth guard while waiting for a custom one remains better than not wearing one at all.

“Stock and boil and bite mouthguards take the ‘one size fits all’ approach to protecting the teeth and jaws.”

Long Term Effects of Orofacial Trauma from Sports

Though it is difficult to obtain statistics on sports-related dental injuries, some studies estimate that up to 80% of participants sustain some form of dental injury. While such injuries are not usually life-threatening, they may still be incredibly painful and have long-term effects on one's oral health. As such, it is essential for athletes to seek professional help right away after an accident.

Both contact and non-contact sports carry with them their own sets of risks. Consequently, athletes should always wear mouth guards, no matter what sports they play. The most common types of orofacial trauma include soft tissue injuries, tooth fractures, tooth avulsions, and tooth subluxations – all of which may lead to disastrous oral health problems.

“Both contact and non-contact sports carry with them their own sets of risks.”

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How Mouth Guards Are Designed

Ideally, a mouth guard should be properly fitted and customized to the patient's mouth and oral structures. It should also be made of resilient material to cover all teeth on one arch and stay in place comfortably and securely. These factors allow the mouth guard to sit comfortably and securely in the mouth, ensuring one's safety and comfort.

Custom-made mouth guards are made by having the dentist create an impression of the patient's teeth. They then trim and polish the impression, double-checking for the proper fit. Just as no two patients are the same, each mouth guard is also unique. Custom-made mouthguards can provide the most effective adaptability, fit, and efficacy when compared to other options.

“Custom-made mouth guards are made by having the dentist create an impression of the patient’s teeth.”

Questions Answered on This Page

Q. What are the dangers of not using a mouthguard?

Q. What are the risks of using a store-bought mouthguard?

Q. How common are sports-related dental injuries?

Q. How are custom-made mouth guards made?

People Also Ask

Q. How is a custom mouth guard made?

Q. What should I do if I lose teeth?

Q. How do lifestyle choices affect dental health?

Q. What methods are available to repair a chipped tooth?

Q. What is the difference between mouth guards and night guards?

Q. What are the symptoms of a cracked tooth?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long do mouth guards last?

A. It depends on how frequently you use it. However, with proper care, a custom-made mouth guard should last several years. Store-bought ones tend to be less durable, as they are not tailored for the mouth. Remember to bring your mouth guard with you to your dental checkups for regular inspection.

Q. How can I get a mouth guard?

A. Call us today, and we will schedule you for an initial consultation. We can begin the process of creating a dental mouth guard once we determine your candidacy. You will need to first undergo a physical examination and get some impressions taken of your mouth.

Q. What are mouth guards made of?

A. The answer varies on a case-by-case basis. Many mouth guards are made of acrylic, while others are made of acetate, vinyl, or rubber. Mouth guards may also be made of a combination of two or more of the above. We combine both hard and soft elements to ensure durability and comfort.

Q. How should I clean my mouth guard?

A. It is essential to clean your mouth guard regularly. First, rinse in warm water to get rid of any plaque and debris. Then, brush the mouth guard with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Do not use toothpaste, as it may be too abrasive. Let the mouth guard air dry completely to prevent rapid bacterial growth, and always store it in a case when not in use.

Q. Can I wear a mouth guard even if I have braces?

A. Yes. We can devise special mouth guards for persons with orthodontic devices or fixed dental work. It is crucial for these patients to adequately protect the mouth, lest the teeth suffer orofacial damage leading to soft tissue injuries.

Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile

By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.

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Family Dental Terminology

Custom Impression

Custom impression involves using trays to create an exact replica of the patient’s teeth before creating the necessary restoration to enhance the overall experience.

Dentist

A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.

Injection-Molded Mouthguards

Injection-Molded Mouthguards help to create a much more specific fit with a type of molding material that fills available space instead of requiring a patient to boil the mouthguard in hot water.

Laminated Pressure-Formed Mouthguards

Laminated pressure-formed mouthguards requires a process that involves applying high heat and pressure to form a mouthguard that meets the needs of the patient.

Mandible Fracture

A mandible fracture is a fracture in the lower jaw that breaks through the mandibular bone and is normally a result of trauma.

Oral Trauma

Oral trauma is any form of trauma or force that results in an injury of the mouth or teeth. Oral trauma can occur after an accident, injury or disease.

Occlusion

Occlusion describes the mandibular and maxillary rows of teeth meeting when the patient bites down. If a patient does not have a healthy bite, they are struggling with malocclusion.

Overjet

An overjet is a bite orientation that results from the maxillary central incisors (top center teeth) protruding over the mandibular central incisors (bottom front teeth); this may also be known as “buck teeth” by patients.

Storage Modulus

The storage modulus is the temperature at which we can store certain elastic materials in dental composite resins.

Vacuum Formed Mouthguard

A vacuum formed mouthguard involves customizing the mouthguard to match a mold of the individual patient’s teeth for a perfect fit.

Learn More About Custom Mouthguards for Sports

A custom-fit mouthguard represents a vital piece of protective equipment for any athlete. To schedule an appointment, call us at 760-565-0234 to let Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa in Palm Desert for more assistance.

Helpful Related Links

• American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
• American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
• WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025

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