Protect Your Smile With a Professional Sports Mouthguard
Sports are great for your health. They’re less great for your teeth when an elbow, ball, stick, or hard fall is involved. A sports mouthguard is one of the simplest ways to protect your smile from injuries that can be painful, expensive, and time-consuming to fix.
At Dr. Gary Mannarino Dentistry located at Devon Plaza Dental, we provide custom sports mouthguards designed for comfort, breathing, and real protection—so you’re more likely to actually wear it when it matters.
Why Wear a Sports Mouthguard in the First Place?
A mouthguard isn’t just for hockey. If there’s contact, speed, or a risk of collisions, a mouthguard is smart.
A sports mouthguard can help protect against:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Cut lips and cheeks
- Tooth root and nerve trauma (the kind you don’t always see right away)
- Jaw injuries from impact
The Canadian Dental Association has reported that a significant portion of dental injuries are sports-related—meaning this is a common problem, not a rare fluke.
Benefits of Wearing a Sports Mouthguard
A good athletic mouthguard does more than “sit there and look sporty.” It acts like a shock absorber.
Key benefits include:
Helps prevent dental injuries
Mouthguards reduce the force transmitted to teeth, which lowers the risk of fractures and displacement.
Helps protect the jaw
By cushioning impact, a mouthguard may reduce the chance of jaw injury and strain during a hit.
May reduce concussion risk (impact management)
No mouthguard can “concussion-proof” someone, but absorbing and distributing impact may help reduce the force transferred through the jaw area.
Better focus and confidence during play
When your guard fits well, you’re not constantly adjusting it, gagging, or fighting for breath.
Why a Custom (Professional) Mouthguard Beats Store-Bought
Over-the-counter options (“boil-and-bite” guards) are better than nothing—but they’re not built for a precise fit or consistent protection.
Custom mouthguard vs. store-bought: the real differences
- Fit and comfort:
A custom-fitted sports mouthguard is made for your bite, tooth position, and jaw shape. It stays in place and feels less bulky. - Protection you can count on:
Better fit usually means better shock distribution and less chance the guard shifts during impact. - Durability:
Professional guards are made with high-quality, impact-resistant materials designed to handle repeated use. - Breathing and speaking:
A well-made guard makes it easier to breathe and communicate—especially helpful in team sports.
Here’s a simple comparison:
| Option | Fit | Comfort | Protection | Best For |
| Custom sports mouthguard (dentist-made) | Precise | High | High | Regular play, contact sports, braces/unique bites |
| Boil-and-bite mouthguard | Variable | Medium | Medium | Occasional use, interim protection |
| Stock mouthguard | Poor | Low | Low | Last resort / very short-term |
A mouthguard only works if you wear it—custom guards usually win here because they’re simply easier to tolerate.
Who Should Consider a Professional Sports Mouthguard?
If you (or your child) plays a sport where falls and contact happen, it’s worth it.
Common sports where mouthguards help:
- Hockey, football, rugby, lacrosse
- Basketball, soccer
- Martial arts, boxing, wrestling
- Skateboarding, BMX, mountain biking
- Baseball/softball (balls move fast; faces don’t)
If you wear braces or have dental work (crowns, veneers), a properly fitting mouthguard can be even more important.
What to Expect When Getting a Custom Mouthguard in Windsor
Getting a custom guard is straightforward.
Typical steps:
- We check your teeth and bite (and talk about your sport)
- We take an impression or digital scan (depending on the clinic process)
- Your custom athletic mouthguard is made to fit your mouth
- You try it on, and we confirm fit and comfort
Custom Sports Mouthguards in Windsor at Devon Plaza Dental
If you play contact sports, a professionally made mouthguard is one of the best preventive investments you can make for your teeth and jaw.
For a custom sports mouthguard in Windsor, contact Dr. Gary Mannarino Dentistry at Devon Plaza Dental to book an appointment.
FAQ's
Sports Mouthguard FAQs (Windsor)
Are custom sports mouthguards worth it?
If you play contact sports or play regularly, yes. A custom guard usually fits better, lasts longer, and provides more reliable protection—often preventing injuries that cost far more than the guard.
Can a mouthguard prevent a concussion?
A mouthguard can’t guarantee concussion prevention. However, it can help absorb and distribute impact, particularly forces transmitted through the jaw area, which may reduce risk in some situations.
Do kids need sports mouthguards?
Yes—kids are especially prone to falls and collisions. Protecting developing teeth (and orthodontic work) is a big deal.
What if I have braces?
You can still wear a mouthguard, but fit matters even more. A custom mouthguard for braces can be made to accommodate orthodontic brackets and reduce soft tissue injuries.
How long does a custom mouthguard last?
It depends on the sport, how often it’s used, and whether the wearer is still growing. Kids and teens may need replacements more often as teeth shift. We can check fit at regular visits.
How do I clean a sports mouthguard?
Rinse after each use, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush, let it dry, and store it in a ventilated case. Avoid hot water (it can warp the material).
Can I wear the same mouthguard for different sports?
Often yes, as long as it’s designed for the level of contact and still fits properly. If you play high-impact sports, we may recommend a sturdier design.