Why Custom Mouth Guards Matter in Contact Sports


As your trusted provider of Springfield dental care, we believe great dental health goes beyond brushing and flossing—it’s about prevention, too. For folks involved in sports, especially contact sports like football, hockey, wrestling and basketball, protecting your smile should be part of any game plan. That’s where custom mouth guards come in. At McKenzie River Dental, Dr. Leeann Welch is here to help you stay safe while doing what you love most.

What Is a Mouth Guard?

A protective dental appliance, a mouth guard is worn over your teeth to shield them from impact. While there are a few types available—stock, boil-and-bite and custom-fitted—only one offers truly personalized protection: the custom mouth guard. That’s’ because it’s designed specifically for your unique bite and dental structure, offering comfort, performance and peace of mind.

Why Wearing a Mouth Guard During Contact Sports is So Beneficial

Here are five key benefits to wearing a custom mouth guard during your next sports practice:

1. Prevents Tooth Damage: Whether it’s a flying elbow, an accidental fall or a stray puck, your teeth are at serious risk during contact sports. Mouth guards help absorb and redistribute impact forces, reducing the chance of broken or knocked-out teeth.
2. Protects Your Jaw and Face: Custom mouth guards do more than guard your teeth—they cushion your jaw and can help reduce the risk of fractures or dislocations in high-impact collisions. They also protect against facial trauma, which can happen even in sports that don’t involve frequent contact.
3. Prevents Soft Tissue Injuries: Without a mouth guard, your lips, cheeks and tongue can easily be injured by your own teeth during a fall or hit. Mouth guards provide a protective barrier that greatly reduces the risk of painful cuts or bruising.
4. Improves Athletic Performance: When your mouth guard fits well, you can breathe easier and speak clearly, which can boost your confidence and focus during competition. Athletes often perform better when they feel safe and comfortable.
5. Saves You Money: Fixing damaged teeth, treating jaw injuries or dealing with oral trauma can be costly. A mouth guard is a small investment that can prevent expensive dental procedures down the road.

And if you ‘re wondering if mouth guards really work, here are some eye-opening stats: According to the American Dental Association, a 2019 review found that the prevalence of dental trauma among mouth guard users was only 7.5% to 7.75%, compared to 48.31% to 59.98% among non-users.

 Why a Custom Mouth Guard Is the Best Choice

While store-bought options may seem convenient, they often fall short in protection and comfort. They can be bulky, hard to keep in place and make it difficult to speak or breathe properly. 

Custom mouth guards, on the other hand, are made just for you. At McKenzie River Dental, we use precise impressions of your teeth to craft a mouth guard that fits precisely to your teeth and bite. This tailored fit means our custom mouth guards are extremely comfortable, providing superior protection while allowing you to be understood when speaking. And most importantly—more confidence while you play.

Ready to Safeguard Your Smile?

Let us help you stay protected on and off the field. Schedule a consultation with McKenzie River Dental today and discover how a custom mouth guard can keep you smiling—no matter how intense the game gets.