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Mouthguards for Sports: Protecting Your Smile During Physical Activity

Every year, thousands of dental injuries occur during sports and recreational activities. Many of these injuries are preventable with proper protection. At Finch & Dudley Dental in North York, we're strong advocates for mouthguards – an affordable investment that can save teeth, prevent injuries, and avoid costly dental repairs.

The Risk Is Real

Consider these statistics:

  • Athletes who don't wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to damage their teeth
  • Dental injuries account for up to 39% of all sports-related injuries
  • The cost of replacing a knocked-out tooth over a lifetime can exceed $20,000
  • Sports-related dental injuries in children are increasingly common

A single impact can result in:

  • Chipped or fractured teeth
  • Knocked-out teeth
  • Root damage
  • Broken jaws
  • Soft tissue injuries (lips, cheeks, tongue)

Which Sports Require Mouthguards?

While contact sports come to mind first, mouthguards are valuable for many activities:

High-Risk Sports (Strongly Recommended)

  • Hockey
  • Football
  • Rugby
  • Boxing and martial arts
  • Lacrosse
  • Wrestling

Medium-Risk Sports (Recommended)

  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Baseball and softball
  • Volleyball
  • Gymnastics
  • Skateboarding and cycling
  • Water polo

Individual Activities

  • Mountain biking
  • Skiing and snowboarding
  • Horseback riding
  • Weightlifting (for those who clench)

If there's any chance of contact with other players, equipment, or the ground, a mouthguard offers valuable protection.

Types of Mouthguards

Stock Mouthguards

What they are: Pre-formed, ready-to-wear guards available at sporting goods stores.

Pros: Inexpensive and immediately available.

Cons: Poor fit, bulky, can interfere with breathing and speaking. Offer minimal protection.

Our recommendation: Better than nothing, but not ideal.

Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards

What they are: Thermoplastic guards that soften in hot water and mold to your teeth.

Pros: More affordable than custom guards, better fit than stock options.

Cons: Can still be bulky, fit is imprecise, may lose shape over time.

Our recommendation: Acceptable for occasional use, but custom guards are superior.

Custom-Fitted Mouthguards

What they are: Professional guards made from impressions of your teeth at our dental office.

Pros:

  • Precise fit for maximum comfort
  • Don't interfere with breathing or speaking
  • Provide optimal protection
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Can be customized with colors and team logos

Cons: Higher upfront cost (though cost-effective considering protection provided).

Our recommendation: The best option, especially for athletes in regular training or competition.

Why Custom Guards Are Worth It

Custom mouthguards from Finch & Dudley Dental offer advantages that justify the investment:

Superior protection: Precise fit means the guard stays in place during impact and distributes forces evenly.

Comfort: Athletes are more likely to wear a guard that fits well and doesn't feel bulky.

No interference: Properly fitted guards don't impede breathing, speech, or drinking.

Durability: Professional materials last longer than store-bought options.

Customization: Choose your colors – many athletes like matching their team.

Caring for Your Mouthguard

Maximize the life of your mouthguard:

  • Rinse before and after each use
  • Clean regularly with toothbrush and toothpaste or soap and water
  • Store in a ventilated case
  • Keep away from heat (don't leave in hot cars)
  • Check regularly for wear and replace when damaged
  • Bring it to dental appointments so we can check the fit

When to Replace

Replace your mouthguard when:

  • It shows signs of wear (thinning, holes, tears)
  • The fit becomes loose
  • After significant dental work that changes tooth structure
  • Annually for young athletes (growing jaws change fit)

Mouthguards and Braces

If you or your child wears braces, a mouthguard is even more important. A blow to the face can damage brackets, cut soft tissues, or cause significant injury. Custom guards designed to accommodate braces provide essential protection during orthodontic treatment.

Getting Started

Getting a custom mouthguard is easy. We take impressions of your teeth, and your guard is fabricated within a week or two. The process is quick and comfortable.

Protect your smile before the next game, practice, or season begins.

Get fitted for a custom sports mouthguard at Finch & Dudley Dental, located at Yonge and Finch in North York. Protect your investment in your smile.