Prevention
Sports mouthguards: how to choose one and when to replace it
A sports mouthguard is a practical way to reduce injury risk, but fit, breathing comfort and ongoing care matter.
A sports mouthguard helps cushion your teeth and surrounding soft tissues against impacts during sports. Although commonly associated with boxing and contact sports, falls during skating, gymnastics or recreational cycling can also injure teeth and soft tissues. No guard prevents every injury, but choosing one that fits is a useful precaution.
Three common kinds
- Stock: inexpensive and ready-made, but often bulky or loose.
- Boil-and-bite: molded at home according to manufacturer instructions; incorrect fitting may compromise comfort or retention.
- Custom-made: fitted for an individual mouth by a dental professional; often offers greater precision but costs more.
How do you check the fit?
A mouthguard should stay in position without constant clenching, allow reasonable breathing and speaking, and not scrape your gums. If it is loose, cracked or has sharp edges, arrange for reassessment before playing again. Do not use household adhesives or aggressive trimming to repair it yourself.
What if you wear braces or retainers?
Fixed orthodontic appliances may require a design that allows room for the brackets while protecting lips and cheeks. A generic guard may not work for every bite. Removable retainers should not be worn during contact sports without specialist advice. See our braces cleaning guide for related daily care.
Cleaning and replacement
Rinse before and after use, clean according to the material and let it dry in a ventilated case. Avoid high heat, which can distort the fit. Growing children and teens may need more frequent reassessment. Replace damaged or poorly fitting guards. If an accident causes a broken tooth, obtain prompt dental advice even if you wore protection.
During a preventive visit at RR Estudio Dental in Obarrio, ask how to assess dental injury risk and where to obtain a suitable guard if custom fabrication is indicated.