Sports Mouthguard: Preventing Injuries

A sports mouthguard is a simple piece of equipment that can prevent a serious dental injury. During contact sports, falls, and collisions, a mouthguard cushions blows to the face, spreads force across the teeth and jaw, and helps protect the lips, cheeks, and tongue from cuts. Teeth that are knocked out, broken, or loosened in sport often lead to urgent dental treatment, and many of those injuries could have been softened by a guard worn correctly.

This guide explains how mouthguards work, the main types available, how to fit and care for one, and when to replace it. It is general information, not medical advice, and a dentist can advise on the type that suits a particular sport, age, and dental situation, including braces. If a tooth is knocked out or broken during sport, follow the relevant first-aid guide and call for urgent dental help promptly.

How a mouthguard protects teeth and jaws

A mouthguard sits over the upper teeth and creates a cushion between the teeth, the lips, and a blow to the face. Without a guard, a direct hit can concentrate force on one or two teeth, cracking or dislodging them and cutting the soft tissue inside the mouth. With a guard, force spreads more widely, the jaw is cushioned, and the lips and cheeks are held away from sharp tooth edges, which lowers the chance of cuts and fractures.

Mouthguards also help protect the jaw joint and reduce the risk of a jaw injury from a blow that forces the lower jaw upward. They do not prevent every injury, and they do not protect against concussion on their own, but they are one of the most effective dental protections for contact sports. A guard that is worn consistently, fits well, and is in good condition offers far more protection than one left in a bag.

Types of mouthguard and fitting

• Stock mouthguards come ready-made in standard sizes, are the cheapest option, but often fit loosely and can make speaking and breathing harder.
• Boil-and-bite mouthguards soften in hot water and mould to the teeth, giving a closer fit at a moderate cost.
• Custom mouthguards are made by a dentist from a mould of the teeth, fit best, and are usually most comfortable for regular players.
• For braces, a dentist should advise on the type, because a standard guard may not fit over brackets and wires.

A good fit means the guard stays in place during play, allows normal breathing and speaking, and covers the teeth without causing gagging. For a boil-and-bite guard, follow the packet instructions exactly, including water temperature and moulding time, and check the fit by biting gently and speaking. If a guard feels loose, slips, or causes soreness, it needs adjusting or replacing, because a loose guard protects less and distracts the player.

Care, cleaning, and replacement

Rinse a mouthguard with cool water before and after use, clean it with a soft brush and mild soap or a denture cleaner as directed, and let it air dry before storing it in a ventilated case. Keep it away from heat, sunlight, and pets, because heat can warp it and chewing can damage it. Do not share mouthguards, because they carry bacteria and mould to the wearer's teeth.

Replace a mouthguard if it is torn, chewed, warped, or no longer fits, and replace a child's guard as teeth grow and change, often each season. A guard that is too small, too loose, or damaged should not be used for contact play. Bring the guard to dental visits so a dentist can check its fit, especially after braces, new teeth, or dental work that changes the bite.

Sports, ages, and wearing habits

Mouthguards are worth considering for rugby, hockey, martial arts, boxing, basketball, football, skateboarding, cycling, and any activity where a fall or collision could hit the face. Children and teenagers benefit greatly, because their teeth and jaws are still developing and a knocked-out adult tooth in childhood can affect dental health for years. Coaches and parents can help by making guards part of the kit routine, not an optional extra.

The best guard is the one that is actually worn, so comfort matters. If a child refuses a guard, try a different type or fit, and explain in plain terms what it protects. Practising with the guard at training helps a player get used to speaking and breathing with it, so it feels normal during a match. A guard worn every time offers protection that a guard worn only sometimes cannot.

Related emergency dental help

• Fully Dislodged Tooth
• Broken or Fractured Tooth
• Jaw Injury

Back to the full Emergency Dental Services list for more on Sports Mouthguard: Preventing Injuries. Contact Emergency Dentist for general enquiries, or call for urgent help.

Related emergency dental help

Learn more about the topics covered in this guide:

• Jaw Injury
• Chipped Tooth

More guides:

• Knocked-Out Tooth: First Minutes
• Broken or Chipped Tooth: First Aid

Frequently asked questions

Do mouthguards prevent concussion?

Mouthguards protect teeth, lips, and jaws, but they do not prevent concussion on their own. Concussion prevention needs sport-specific safety measures and prompt medical care after a head injury.

Can I wear a mouthguard with braces?

Ask a dentist about the right type for braces, because a standard guard may not fit over brackets and wires. A dentist can advise on a guard that protects teeth without disturbing the appliance.

How often should a mouthguard be replaced?

Replace it if torn, chewed, warped, or loose, and replace a child's guard as teeth grow, often each season. Bring it to dental visits for a fit check.

Please treat this page as general information about Sports Mouthguard: Preventing Injuries, not medical advice. A dentist who examines you can give advice for your situation.