Common Sports-Related Dental Injuries
Dental trauma from sports can be a short term emergency that resolves with prompt care, or it can lead to long term oral health problems if it is not treated properly. Athletes in every kind of sport may experience injuries such as the following.
- Soft tissue lacerations to the lips, cheeks, gums, or tongue
- Luxation, which means a tooth is pushed out of position in its socket
- Avulsion, which means a tooth is completely knocked out
- Chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth
- Jaw fractures and dislocations
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) injuries and ongoing TMJ disorder
Many of these injuries can be prevented or made less severe with a mouth guard that fits well. If you or your child already has a jaw joint concern, see our TMJ page to learn how we can help.
Which Athletes Should Wear a Mouth Guard?
Many people think mouth guards are only for football, hockey, and boxing. The American Dental Association recommends a mouth guard for any sport or activity where there is a chance of a fall or a blow to the head or face. A mouth guard may be a smart choice for several kinds of athletes.
- Players of contact sports such as football, hockey, lacrosse, rugby, and martial arts
- Athletes in basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, and volleyball
- Gymnasts, cheerleaders, skateboarders, cyclists, and skiers or snowboarders
- Children and teens who play organized or recreational sports
- Adults who play in recreational leagues or train regularly
- Athletes who clench or grind their teeth during intense effort
Children and teens who are still growing may need guards replaced more often as baby teeth fall out and permanent teeth come in. Our Kid-Friendly Dentistry page explains how we care for younger patients.
From First Fitting to Game Day
Getting a custom mouth guard is simple and comfortable. The process is designed to take only a couple of short visits, and each step helps us create a guard that protects well and feels natural. Here is what you can expect.
01
Consultation and Evaluation
We talk about the sports and activities you or your child plays, review any past dental injuries, and examine the teeth, gums, and bite.
02
Impressions or Digital Scan
We capture an accurate model of the teeth so the guard can be made to match the mouth exactly.
03
Custom Fabrication
The guard is created from the model, using durable material that offers the right balance of protection and comfort.
04
Fitting and Adjustment
We check the fit in the mouth, make any needed adjustments, and make sure the athlete can breathe and speak easily.
05
Care Instructions
We show you how to clean, store, and protect the guard so it lasts, and we explain when it may need to be replaced.
Why Athletes Choose a Custom Sports Mouth Guard
Mouth guards protect against injuries to the teeth, lips, and jaw when they are worn during high impact activities. They also help absorb and spread out the force of a blow. The mouth guards Dr. Godfrey provides are designed to offer superior protection and comfort. Athletes and parents often notice several advantages.
- Better protection. A guard shaped to the mouth helps cushion teeth and reduces the risk of chips, fractures, and knocked out teeth.
- A secure, comfortable fit. Custom guards stay in place without constant adjusting, so athletes are more likely to wear them.
- Easier breathing and speaking. A well made guard is thinner and more precise than a bulky store bought version, which makes it easier to communicate with teammates.
- Jaw support. A guard can help protect the jaw joint and reduce the effects of grinding and clenching during intense activity.
- Long term savings. A custom guard is a small investment compared with the cost and time of treating dental trauma.
Preventive Care for Active Smiles
A mouth guard is only part of keeping an athlete’s smile healthy. Regular cleanings and exams help us find cavities, gum concerns, and other issues early, and they let us check how the teeth and bite are changing over time. Many dental plans cover preventive visits, and we accept all dental insurance plans except Medicaid. We are also in network with Delta Dental Premier. Visit our Insurance and Financing page to learn more.
Keep Your Athlete Protected This Season
Whether you play on a team, train on your own, or are the parent of a young athlete, a custom mouth guard is one of the simplest ways to protect a healthy smile. Our team at Godfrey Dentistry in Somersworth, NH is ready to help you find the right protection for your sport. Schedule a consultation today.
Book Your Mouth Guard VisitFrequently Asked Questions About Sports Dentistry
Sports dentistry is the prevention and treatment of dental and facial injuries that are commonly caused by participation in sports. It includes custom fitted mouth guards, treatment of injuries such as chipped or knocked out teeth, and guidance on protecting teeth, gums, and the jaw during athletic activity.
Sports dentists specialize in preventing and treating orofacial injuries caused by sports. They make custom athletic mouth guards, treat dental trauma such as fractured or displaced teeth, and help manage jaw joint problems related to impact, grinding, or clenching.
The American Dental Association recommends a mouth guard for any sport or activity with a risk of a fall or a blow to the head. This includes contact sports like football, hockey, and martial arts, and also basketball, soccer, gymnastics, skateboarding, and many others.
Custom mouth guards are made to fit the athlete’s mouth exactly, so they tend to be more comfortable, stay in place better, and provide stronger protection than stock or boil and bite guards. Store bought guards are better than no guard at all, but a custom guard is the better choice for regular athletes.
The cost depends on the type of guard. Stock guards cost the least, and custom guards cost more because they are made for a specific mouth. Even a custom guard is a small investment compared with the cost of treating a broken or lost tooth. Our team can explain the cost before you decide.
It depends on the type of guard, how well it is cared for, and the age of the athlete. Guards for children may need to be replaced more often because baby teeth are lost and permanent teeth come in. Any guard should be replaced when it is worn, cracked, or no longer fits well.
Pick up the tooth by the crown and avoid touching the root. Rinse it gently, and try to place it back in the socket if you can. If not, store it in milk and see a dentist right away. Acting within the first hour gives the best chance of saving the tooth
Yes. Young athletes can benefit greatly from a custom guard. Because their mouths are still growing, we will talk with you about how often the guard may need to be replaced and how to care for it.
