Understanding Sports Dentistry and Protection
Sports dentistry in Highland, Utah, focuses on preventing and treating dental injuries related to athletic activities. Dental trauma ranks among the most common sports injuries, with knocked-out teeth, fractured jaws, and soft tissue lacerations occurring frequently in contact sports like football, hockey, basketball, and soccer. Even non-contact activities like skateboarding, gymnastics, and mountain biking carry a significant risk of facial impact.
The consequences of dental injuries extend far beyond immediate pain. A knocked-out permanent tooth requires immediate emergency treatment and often needs lifelong maintenance through root canals, crowns, or dental implants. Jaw fractures can take months to heal and may require surgery. Soft tissue injuries to the lips, cheeks, and tongue can cause significant bleeding and scarring. The financial cost of treating these injuries often runs into thousands of dollars—money that could have been saved with a properly fitted mouthguard costing a fraction of that amount.
Types of Mouthguards Available
Not all mouthguards provide the same level of protection, and understanding your options helps you make the best choice for your situation. The three main categories differ significantly in fit, comfort, and protective capability.
Stock Mouthguards
Stock mouthguards come pre-formed and ready to wear right out of the package. They’re the least expensive option and available at most sporting goods stores. However, their one-size-fits-all design means they rarely fit well, making them bulky, uncomfortable, and difficult to keep in place. Poor fit compromises protection and makes breathing and speaking nearly impossible. Most dental professionals don’t recommend stock mouthguards because they offer minimal protection and often end up discarded after a few uncomfortable uses.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
Boil-and-bite guards offer a step up from stock options by allowing some customization. You soften the thermoplastic material in hot water, then bite down to create an impression of your teeth. While better than stock guards, they still don’t fit as precisely as custom options. The material can be too thick in some areas and too thin in others, and the fit deteriorates quickly with regular use. They’re better than nothing but fall short of providing optimal protection.
Custom-Fitted Mouthguards
Custom mouthguards created by your dentist provide the highest level of protection, comfort, and durability. We take precise impressions of your teeth and create a guard that fits your mouth exactly. This personalized fit means the guard stays securely in place without interfering with breathing or speaking. Custom guards distribute impact forces evenly, provide consistent thickness where protection matters most, and last significantly longer than over-the-counter alternatives.
Benefits of Custom Sports Guards
Investing in a custom-fitted sports guard from Treehouse Dental offers advantages that extend well beyond basic protection. The precise fit eliminates the constant adjustment and repositioning required with generic guards, allowing athletes to focus entirely on their performance. Many athletes report that custom guards feel so comfortable they forget they’re wearing them.
Custom guards provide superior protection for several reasons:
- Exact fit ensures the guard stays in place during impact rather than shifting or falling out
- Appropriate thickness in critical areas absorbs and distributes forces effectively
- Proper design protects teeth, jaw joints, and soft tissues simultaneously
- High-quality materials resist wear and maintain their protective properties longer
- Personalized design accommodates braces, bridges, or other dental work
- Better retention means you’ll actually wear it consistently, which is the most important factor
Athletes wearing custom mouthguards can breathe easier, communicate with teammates clearly, and drink water without removing the guard. These practical benefits increase compliance, meaning the guard actually protects you because you wear it every time you play.
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding
Sports dentistry also addresses another common cause of dental damage—teeth grinding and clenching, medically known as bruxism. Many people grind their teeth during sleep without realizing it, waking up with jaw pain, headaches, and worn tooth surfaces. Over time, bruxism can crack teeth, damage existing dental work, and contribute to TMJ disorders.
Custom night guards create a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth while positioning your jaw in a way that reduces muscle tension. Unlike sports guards designed to absorb sudden impact, night guards are engineered for long-term wear and comfort during sleep. They prevent tooth wear, reduce jaw strain, and help you wake up feeling more rested without the tension headaches that often accompany bruxism.
Caring for Your Mouthguard
Proper maintenance keeps your guard clean, effective, and long-lasting. Rinse it with cold water before and after each use, brush it regularly with a toothbrush and mild soap, and store it in a ventilated case to prevent bacterial growth. Never leave your guard in hot environments like car dashboards, as heat can warp the material and ruin the fit. Bring your guard to dental appointments so we can check for wear and ensure it still fits properly.
Protect Your Smile During Every Game
Don’t risk permanent dental damage when protection is simple and affordable. Call Treehouse Dental at (801) 756-2273 to schedule an appointment with Dr. William Collins, Dr. Beau Seager, and the team for a custom sports guard or night guard. We’ll create a protective device that fits perfectly and keeps your smile safe. Discover the joy of a healthy smile at Utah’s trusted family dental clinic!
