Overview
Sports injuries can chip, loosen, or knock out teeth. A well-fitting mouthguard reduces injury risk during contact sports, martial arts, cycling, skating, basketball, cricket, hockey, and school play.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Custom mouthguards usually fit better than boil-and-bite options.
- ✓Children and teens need mouthguards checked as they grow.
- ✓Braces require orthodontic-safe mouthguard designs.
- ✓A damaged mouthguard should be replaced before the next game.
What You Can Do At Home
- 1Rinse and dry the mouthguard after use.
- 2Store it in a ventilated case away from heat.
- 3Do not chew the mouthguard.
- 4Bring it to dental visits for fit checks.
When To Book A Dentist
- !Your child plays contact or high-fall-risk sports.
- !You wear braces and need sports protection.
- !A mouthguard feels loose, painful, or cracked.
- !A dental injury happened during sport.
Emergency Warning Signs
- !A permanent tooth is knocked out, displaced, or loose after impact.
- !Jaw injury, uncontrolled bleeding, or suspected fracture.