Safety gear is crucial in protecting athletes from injuries, and one of the most essential yet often overlooked pieces of equipment is the mouthguard. Whether you’re on the football field, in the boxing ring or on the ice rink, the risk of facial injuries is ever-present. For this reason, several sports require a mouthguard to shield the teeth, jaw and soft tissues of the mouth, preventing painful and costly injuries. 

Sports That Require a Mouthguard

In many sports, the potential for facial and dental injuries is high, making using a mouthguard essential. Below are some sports where wearing a mouthguard is particularly crucial for athlete safety.

Contact Sports

Mouthguards are vital to protect athletes from oral injuries across various sports. In contact sports such as football, ice hockey, basketball, rugby, soccer, lacrosse and field hockey, the risk of collisions, falls and impacts from equipment is significant.

In football and rugby, for instance, players often engage in rough tackles and blocks, which can lead to facial impacts. Ice hockey and field hockey players are at risk of flying pucks, sticks and balls. 

Even in soccer and basketball, where direct contact is less frequent, accidental collisions or elbowing can result in dental injuries, making mouthguards an important preventive measure. Basketball has a surprisingly high number of dental injuries, accounting for over 14% of oral injuries. However, it’s very unlikely you’ll see a basketball player wearing one.

Combat Sports

Combat sports such as boxing, wrestling, martial arts, karate and jiu-jitsu involve close-quarters combat and strikes to the head and face. In these sports, participants are frequently exposed to punches, kicks and grappling, increasing the risk of mouth and facial injuries. 

In fact, boxing and wrestling typically have the highest number of oral injuries compared to contact sports like rugby or football. A well-fitted mouthguard can cushion the blow, preventing knocked-out teeth, cuts to the lips and gums, and even jaw fractures, making it a mandatory piece of equipment in many of these sports.

Extreme Sports

In extreme sports like skateboarding, BMX and mountain biking, athletes perform tricks and stunts involving high speeds and aerial maneuvers. The risk of falling is high, and a fall can result in devastating facial injuries if the athlete lands improperly. Mouthguards provide essential protection against dental damage and can mitigate the severity of injuries in case of an accident. 

While it’s strongly recommended that anyone participating in these sports be well-protected, very few sports actually require mouthguards. Nationally, all states have mandated mouthguards in high school football, field hockey, ice hockey, men’s lacrosse and amateur boxing. Individual states may have mouthguard mandates for other sports. On a collegiate level, the National Collegiate Athletic Association has implemented the same rules. 

Benefits of Using a Mouthguard 

Using a mouthguard in sports provides several benefits, mainly protecting and preventing injury to the sensitive mouth area.

• Dental protection: In the United States, 40% of dental injuries result from playing sports. Mouthguards prevent chipped, broken or knocked-out teeth by absorbing and dispersing the force of impacts. This protection is crucial in sports where collisions, falls or direct strikes to the face are common.
• Jaw protection: A mouthguard can protect against impact to the lower jaw, reducing the risk of fractures and dislocations. This is particularly important in contact and combat sports where the jaw can be struck or jarred suddenly. 
• Soft tissue injury prevention: Mouthguards protect the soft tissues inside the mouth, including the cheeks, tongue and lips, from cuts and bruises. This protection is especially valuable in sports where players might accidentally bite down hard or where there’s a risk of contact with equipment or other players.
• Concussion risk reduction: Recent studies suggest high-tech mouthguards may reduce the risk of concussions by absorbing some impact forces that would otherwise be transmitted to the brain. While not a guarantee, this potential benefit adds another layer of protection.
• Improved confidence: Athletes may feel more confident and less hesitant in their movements, knowing they have mouthguards to protect them. This psychological benefit can boost performance and a more aggressive play style.  

Types of Mouthguards

There are several types of mouthguards available, each designed to offer different levels of protection, comfort and customization. Sports don’t typically require a specific type of mouthguard, so it’s all up to personal preference. These are the most common types of mouth protection. 

Stock Mouthguards

These are pre-formed and ready to wear right out of the package. They’re typically made from rubber or polyvinyl and come in standard sizes. While they’re the most budget-friendly option, stock mouthguards aren’t the most comfortable fit and can interfere with breathing and speaking, as you can’t adjust them to fit your mouth properly.

Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards

These are a popular choice for many athletes as they’re affordable and well-fitting. They’re made from thermoplastic material and easy to use. You soften them in hot water and then mold them to fit your teeth by biting down and shaping them with your fingers. This type provides a better fit compared to stock mouthguards, offering superior protection and comfort. 

Custom-Fitted Mouthguards

Custom-fitted mouthguards are made specifically for an individual’s teeth and mouth structure. A dentist or orthodontist creates a mold for your teeth, which they then use to craft a mouthguard that fits perfectly. These mouthguards provide the best protection and comfort, making them ideal if you’re involved in high-impact sports. They’re much more expensive than other types but are generally worth the investment due to their unparalleled fit and defense. 

Game On

The thrill of competition often comes with the risk of injury, making mouthguards indispensable. From football fields to boxing rings, mouthguards are a critical line of defense against dental and facial injuries. Whether you’re a professional or an amateur, investing in a high-quality mouthguard is a small step with significant benefits.

Author: Beth Rush