Dental Sport Guards North York

The Importance of Custom-Fit Sports Mouthguards

A sports mouthguard helps protect your teeth, gums, lips, and other soft tissues from injuries caused by impacts during sports and recreational activities. Dental injuries can include chipped or fractured teeth, displaced teeth, and damage to the surrounding tissues. The Canadian Dental Association recommends properly fitted mouthguards as part of injury prevention for people participating in sports with a risk of facial or dental trauma.

Mouthguards are useful for more than hockey and football. Depending on the activity and its associated risks, athletes participating in basketball, soccer, rugby, martial arts, and other sports may also benefit from wearing appropriate mouth protection during practices and games.

Although mouthguards can reduce the risk of dental and oral injuries, they should not be relied upon to prevent concussions. The Canadian Dental Association notes that mouthguards have a limited role in preventing brain injuries, so appropriate helmets and other sport-specific protective equipment remain important.

Custom-Fit vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards

Sports mouthguards are available in several forms, and each offers different levels of fit, comfort, and stability. The Alberta Dental Association's guide to mouthguards explains the main differences between custom-made, boil-and-bite, and ready-made options.

• Custom-fit mouthguards: Made by a dental professional using a model of your teeth. They are designed to fit your mouth closely and generally offer the best combination of fit, comfort, and protection.
• Boil-and-bite mouthguards: Purchased from sporting goods stores and softened in hot water before being shaped around the teeth. Their fit can vary depending on how accurately they are moulded.
• Ready-made mouthguards: Pre-formed devices available in standard sizes. They may be bulkier or less stable than a properly fitted custom mouthguard.

A mouthguard needs to fit securely and remain in position during activity to provide appropriate protection. A poorly fitting device may be uncomfortable or interfere with speaking and breathing. For children, the fit should be checked regularly as their teeth and jaws develop.

Why Choose a Custom Sports Mouthguard from Your Dentist?

A custom sports mouthguard is made to fit your individual teeth and mouth. Your dentist can assess your needs, take an impression or digital scan where available, and arrange for a mouthguard designed around your dental anatomy and the demands of your sport.

Benefits of a custom-fit sports mouthguard may include:

• Personalized fit: Designed to follow the contours of your teeth for a secure, comfortable fit.
• Protection during activity: Helps cushion impacts and reduce the risk of injuries to the teeth and surrounding oral tissues.
• Sport-specific design: The design and thickness can be selected according to your sport and individual needs.
• Comfort and stability: A well-fitted mouthguard is less likely to shift during physical activity.
• Adjustments when needed: Your dentist can assess the fit and determine whether adjustments or replacement are necessary.

The Canadian Dental Association's dental safety guidance recommends discussing mouthguard options with your dentist, particularly when choosing protection for children who participate in sports.

Custom Sports Mouthguards at Stonebrook Dental

North York family dentist Dr. Nubia Diaz can provide custom-fabricated athletic mouthguards in different sizes and colours. The design can be selected according to the sport being played and your individual dental needs.

If you or your child participates in sports, a properly fitted mouthguard can be an important part of protecting your teeth. Our team can help you explore suitable options and explain how to care for your mouthguard between uses.

Sports mouthguards are different from night guards used to manage teeth grinding or clenching. If you need protection for both activities, ask your dentist whether separate appliances are appropriate.