Custom Sports Mouthguards vs. Over-the-Counter: Protecting Flagler County Student Athletes This Fall

Fall sports season means practices, games, and plenty of activity for student athletes throughout Flagler County. Along with helmets, pads, and other protective gear, a properly fitted sports mouthguard can play an important role in protecting your child’s smile.

At our Palm Coast dental office, we encourage families with student athletes to consider the differences between custom sports mouthguards and over-the-counter options. Fit, comfort, and protection can all affect how well a mouthguard performs and whether an athlete is willing to wear it consistently.

The Importance of Sports Mouthguards

A fall, collision, ball, or accidental elbow can lead to chipped, broken, loosened, or knocked-out teeth. Dental injuries can happen in contact sports, but they can also occur during basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, wrestling, skating, and many other activities.

A sports mouthguard creates a protective barrier around the teeth and surrounding oral structures. For student athletes, wearing one during practices and games can help reduce the risk and severity of sports-related dental injuries.

Custom Sports Mouthguards vs. Store-Bought Options

Over-the-counter mouthguards typically include stock guards and boil-and-bite options. Stock guards come preformed, while boil-and-bite guards are softened in hot water and shaped around the teeth at home.

Custom sports mouthguards are different because we create them specifically for the athlete’s mouth. This allows us to achieve a more precise fit around the teeth and bite.

When helping families compare mouthguard options, we recommend considering:

•          How securely the mouthguard stays in place

•          Whether the athlete can breathe and speak comfortably

•          The athlete’s age and dental development

•          Whether braces or other dental appliances are present

•          The type and level of contact involved in the sport

•          Whether the mouthguard has become worn, damaged, or loose

A Better Fit Can Make a Difference

A sports mouthguard can only provide protection if the athlete actually wears it. An uncomfortable or bulky mouthguard may be more likely to come out during play or be left on the sidelines.

With a custom sports mouthguard, we can create a fit designed around your child’s individual teeth. This can make the guard more comfortable and easier to keep in place during activity.

Fit is especially important for younger athletes because their mouths continue to change as they grow. We also recommend checking sports mouthguards regularly and replacing them when they become damaged, worn, or no longer fit properly.

Prepare Your Student Athlete for Fall Sports

Before practices and games begin, we recommend adding dental protection to your student athlete’s sports checklist. A well-fitting mouthguard can help protect their teeth while they focus on playing and competing.

At Modern Dental, Dr. Ronald F. Jacob, DMD Comprehensive Dentistry, we provide comprehensive dental care for families in Palm Coast and throughout Flagler County. We can evaluate your child’s oral health and help you determine whether a custom sports mouthguard is the right choice for their activities.

Schedule a dental exam with Modern Dental, Dr. Ronald F. Jacob, DMD Comprehensive Dentistry to learn more about protecting your student athlete’s smile this fall. Contact our office in Palm Coast, FL, by calling (386) 445-6111 today.