Why you use a mouth guard in contact sports

They protect teeth from direct hits: Minimizing the full force of the impact on your teeth, the mouthguard can absorb the initial shock.

They reduce the risk of cracks, chips, and knocked-out teeth: Contact sports involve high-speed collisions, which often cause enamel fractures. A mouthguard will spread pressure evenly, minimizing the chance of serious injury.

They act as a barrier for lips, tongue, and cheeks: This prevents accidental cuts caused by sharp teeth or braces during sudden movements.

They help stabilise the jaw: While playing sports, things change in a flick of seconds; a sports mouthguard helps reduce extreme movements when the mouth snaps shut or moves abruptly, leading to fractures or dislocation.

Shields teeth from chips, cracks, and breaks: Sports gum shields create a soft protective layer that absorbs impact, preventing teeth from colliding with each other or external objects.

Reduces risk of loosened or knocked-out teeth: Strong contact can easily dislodge a tooth, but a proper mouthguard spreads the blow across multiple teeth, minimizing direct damage.

Distributes shock evenly across the mouth: Instead of one tooth taking the hit, the impact is spread out, significantly reducing injury severity.

Prevents long-term, costly dental procedures: Root canals, crowns, or implants aren't just expensive — they're avoidable when using a sports mouth guard consistently.

Protects lips, cheeks, and tongue from cuts and bruises: Sharp teeth can tear soft tissue during sudden movements in sports; a mouthguard acts as a soft bumper, preventing injuries.

Ideal for athletes with braces: A mouthguard is free from metal brackets or sharp wires like metal brackets, preventing potential cuts upon impact.

Prevents accidental biting: When you get hit unexpectedly, you can bite down hard and end up hurting your tongue or cheeks. A mouthguard acts like a soft, protective cushion that helps prevent those injuries.

Decreases infection risk from open wounds: When you have fewer cuts, there are fewer chances for bacteria to get in — so your mouth stays healthier.

Absorbs shock to reduce pressure on the jaw: Without a mouthguard, an impact can send force directly up the jaw into the skull. The guard reduces the intensity of that movement.

Limits extreme jaw movement: A sudden hit can force your jaw to snap open or shut, causing strain or injury. A mouthguard stabilises it, keeping movement within a safer range.

Helps prevent fractures or dislocation: The cushioning effect around the jaw joint lessens the chance of the jaw shifting out of place.

Reduces strain on neck muscles: With better jaw alignment during impact, tension in surrounding muscles, such as the neck and shoulders, is also reduced.

Cushions against upward force through the jaw: A strong impact to the chin can send shockwaves to the skull. A mouthguard softens this transfer of force.

Reduces brain-jarring movement: Less shock is transferred to the head, meaning a lower chance of brain movement that could result in a concussion.

Creates a buffer between upper and lower teeth: Prevents teeth from slamming into each other, which can cause additional shock to be absorbed by the skull.

Helps lower concussion risk during falls and collisions: Although not a guaranteed solution, a well-fitted sports mouthguard may significantly reduce concussion-related injuries.

Created using detailed molds of your teeth: Dentists take an impression that matches your bite perfectly, resulting in a mouthguard that feels natural.

Superior comfort and stability: Because it's tailor-made, it sits securely, stays in place, and doesn't feel bulky.

Allows easier breathing and speaking: Custom guards are slim and designed around your mouth's shape, no slipping, no struggle to talk.

Best for intense or professional play: High-impact athletes get enhanced protection from a durable, snug-fitting guard.

Dental Practice and well: Dental experts emphasize that custom mouthguards offer significantly better protection than off-the-shelf versions.

Affordable and easy to find: These guards are available at sports stores and are an accessible option for beginners.

Can be molded at home: Softened in hot water, they allow for a semi-custom fit — though not as precise as a dentist-made version.

Bulkier fit compared to custom guards: This can sometimes interfere with breathing or speaking, especially during intense physical activity.

May loosen during heavy play: Because the fit isn't perfect, boil-and-bite guards can shift or require frequent adjustments.

Less durable and wear out quickly: They often need replacing more frequently due to thinner material and standard design.