Athletes spend a lot of time and energy protecting their bodies — proper footwear, helmets, padding, and conditioning all reduce the risk of injury on the field or court. But one area that often gets overlooked is the mouth. Dental injuries from sports are among the most common types of facial trauma, and most of them are preventable. For Ontario athletes of all ages and skill levels, a properly fitted mouthguard is one of the most straightforward and cost-effective pieces of protective equipment available. At California Dental Group, we offer custom mouthguards designed to fit comfortably and protect effectively.
How Common Are Sports-Related Dental Injuries?
Dental injuries in sports are more frequent than most people realize. Chipped and cracked teeth, knocked-out teeth, lip and tongue lacerations, and jaw injuries occur regularly in both contact and non-contact sports. Activities that carry significant risk include football, basketball, soccer, baseball, hockey, martial arts, gymnastics, and even recreational sports like skateboarding and mountain biking.
A knocked-out permanent tooth is one of the few dental injuries where the outcome depends heavily on how quickly the situation is handled — and it’s the kind of injury a mouthguard is specifically designed to prevent.
Custom Mouthguards vs. Store-Bought Options
Walk into any sporting goods store and you’ll find boil-and-bite mouthguards, and while they offer some protection, they fall significantly short of what a custom-fitted guard can provide. Store-bought guards are made to fit a range of mouth sizes, which means they rarely fit any individual mouth particularly well. A poor fit leads to discomfort, difficulty breathing and speaking, and — most importantly — reduced protection.
Custom mouthguards are fabricated from precise impressions of your teeth, ensuring a snug, secure fit that stays in place during contact. They’re also made from higher-quality materials that provide better shock absorption and durability.
Ontario Athletes: Who Should Be Wearing a Mouthguard?
The short answer is anyone participating in a sport where contact with other players, equipment, or surfaces is possible. This includes youth athletes, high school and college competitors, and recreational adult players. Many organized sports at the high school and collegiate level require mouthguards — but even in leagues where they aren’t mandated, wearing one is a smart precaution.
Parents of young athletes should pay particular attention. Dental injuries in children can affect permanent teeth that are still developing, and the cost — both financial and long-term — of treating a knocked-out or fractured permanent tooth far exceeds the cost of prevention.
Mouthguards for Patients with Braces
Athletes undergoing orthodontic treatment have specific needs when it comes to mouth protection. Standard boil-and-bite guards are not appropriate for patients with braces, as they can press brackets into soft tissue during impact. Custom guards can be made to accommodate orthodontic hardware and provide protection for both the teeth and the appliances.
How Long Does a Custom Mouthguard Last?
With proper care, a custom mouthguard can last one to three years, though growing children and teens may need replacements more frequently as their mouths change. Rinse your guard after each use, store it in its protective case, and bring it to your dental appointments so your dentist can check for wear and fit.
Get a Custom Mouthguard at California Dental Group
Protecting your smile on the field starts with the right equipment. The team at California Dental Group provides custom-fitted mouthguards for Ontario athletes of all ages, combining comfort and protection in a guard you’ll actually want to wear. Call 800-407-0161 to schedule your fitting and keep your smile safe all season long.
