Summer sports like soccer, basketball, and baseball are a great way to stay active, but they also come with risks—including dental injuries. Mouthguards are essential for protecting your teeth, tongue, and jaw during sports with physical contact or falls.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), athletes who don’t wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries. These include chipped or broken teeth, lip and cheek injuries, and even tooth loss (ADA, 2021).
There are three main types of mouthguards: stock (pre-formed), boil-and-bite, and custom-made. While any mouthguard is better than none, custom-fit mouthguards offer the best protection because they’re molded to your teeth for a comfortable and secure fit.
Beyond protection, a mouthguard may improve performance by helping athletes focus, knowing their smile is safe. It’s a small investment that can prevent thousands of dollars in dental repairs.
Dr. Paul Casamassimo of the ADA notes: “Using a properly fitted mouthguard can prevent permanent damage to the teeth and jaw.”
So whether you’re hitting the basketball court or gearing up for summer soccer, make sure your gear includes a mouthguard—it’s as important as your helmet or shoes.
Protect your teeth and play smart—ask us about custom mouthguards today!
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American Dental Association. (2021). Protecting your smile with a mouthguard. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/m/mouthguards
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National Youth Sports Foundation for Safety. (2020). Dental injuries and prevention. https://www.nysf.org