August 28, 2025
Key Takeaways
Mouth guards significantly reduce the risk of dental injuries, jaw fractures, and soft tissue damage during sports.
While custom mouth guards may cost more upfront, they are far cheaper than dental treatments for broken or lost teeth.
A properly fitted guard allows athletes to breathe, speak, and focus better compared to bulky over-the-counter options.
From stock guards to boil-and-bite and custom-fitted guards, athletes can choose based on budget, comfort, and level of protection.
Some studies suggest that well-fitted mouth guards may help absorb impact and lower concussion risks.
Custom guards last longer and provide a consistent fit, making them a smart long-term investment for frequent athletes.
High-contact sports like football, hockey, and boxing make mouth guards almost indispensable, but even in basketball, soccer, and gymnastics, they offer valuable protection.
Beyond physical safety, wearing a mouth guard boosts confidence, letting athletes play harder without constant worry of dental injuries.
Table of Content
How sports lead to dental injuries
Every sport carries risk. We talk about broken bones, concussions, torn ligaments, but what about teeth? According to a study, athletes without a mouth guard are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries. That's not a small number. And we're not only talking about looks. Dental trauma means:
-
Expensive emergency dental care.
-
Long-term oral health issues like infections or TMJ disorders.
-
Missing game time due to recovery.
This is where an athletic teeth guard steps in. It's not glamorous, but it's real protection.
Mouthguards protect your teeth and jaws from injury during sports.
Mouth guards: Essential sports injury prevention gear
We already treat helmets and gloves as essential. Why isn't dental gear given the same respect? A mouth guard is just as critical; it's sports injury prevention gear designed specifically for your face.
Athletes protect their knees and heads religiously but skip dental gear, even though a dental injury can sideline you for just as long. It's time to treat mouth guards with the same seriousness.
Play your best while protecting your smile
Stay safe on the field with Caspersmile's custom sports mouthguards that are built for comfort, protection, and peak performance every game.
Mouth guard benefits for athletes beyond teeth protection
Sure, a mouth guard is sports dental protection, but its value doesn't stop there. Let's go a little wider:
-
Keeps your lips, cheeks, and tongue safe from being chewed up by impact.
-
Reduces the risk of jaw fractures and dislocation.
-
Many studies suggest mouth guards help absorb shock and redistribute force, which may reduce concussion severity.
-
Boosts performance so you can play more aggressively and focus on performance.
Custom vs. Over-the-counter: Which mouth guard works best?
Not all mouth guards are equal. You can grab an over-the-counter mouthguard at a sporting goods store, or you can invest in a custom mouth guard for athletes. The difference? Night and day.
|
Feature |
Over-the-counter mouth guard |
Custom mouth guard for athletes |
|
Fit |
Generic, bulky, often uncomfortable |
Perfectly molded to your teeth and bite |
|
Comfort |
Can restrict breathing/speaking |
Allows normal breathing and communication |
|
Durability |
Wears out quickly |
Long-lasting, high-quality material |
|
Protection |
Basic coverage |
Maximum protection for teeth, jaw, and gums |
|
Cost |
Cheap upfront |
Higher, but long-term savings |
Athletes who've switched to custom guards rarely go back. Brands like Caspersmile, which are known for their precision-fit dental solutions, also offer custom mouth guards that are made from impressions of your teeth. That means you get a snug fit, real comfort, and the peace of mind that you're not gambling with your smile every time you hit the field.
Don't wait for the hit to learn the lesson
Stay ahead of the game with Caspersmile Custom Mouth Guards that are durable and comfortable, and do not put stress on your budget.
Cost vs. Value: Are athlete mouth guards worth the price?
Here's where most athletes (or parents of young athletes) hesitate: the price. Let's be blunt: custom guards aren't cheap. But compare it to a single dental crown, which can run $1,000 or more, and suddenly that $200 custom guard looks like a bargain.
You're not just paying for plastic; you're paying for:
-
Fewer dental bills.
-
Less time in the dentist's chair.
-
More time on the field.
Think of it as insurance you actually wear. And since companies like Caspersmile make custom-fit guards accessible through easy impression kits, the investment feels even smarter.
Comfort and performance relation
Here's what many forget: comfort directly impacts performance. A badly fitted mouthguard can feel suffocating, leading athletes to chew on it, toss it out, or avoid wearing it altogether.
With a well-fitted athletic teeth guard, you can:
-
Breathe normally
-
Call out to players or communicate with teammates
-
Focus on your game instead of on your mouthpiece
Who should wear an athletic mouth guard?
Still think mouth guards are only for football or hockey players? Not even close. They're useful in any sport where contact, or even unexpected collisions, are possible. Consider the following sports also:
-
Rugby
-
Basketball
-
Martial arts and boxing
-
Skateboarding and biking
-
Soccer, etc.
Signs you need to upgrade your mouth guard
Mouth guards don't last forever. Here's how you know it's time for a new one:
-
Cracks or tears in the material
-
Loose fit or slipping during play
-
Difficulty breathing or speaking clearly
-
Visible wear and bite marks
Replacing your guard regularly ensures consistent protection.
Why every athlete should invest in a mouth guard
So, are athlete mouth guards worth the investment? Absolutely. They prevent sports dental injuries, save money on treatments, improve confidence and performance, and protect long-term health.
Yes, a custom mouth guard for athletes costs more upfront. But brands like Caspersmile make that investment smarter by offering precise, durable, and comfortable solutions at a fraction of what a dental emergency would cost. At the end of the day, playing without an athlete mouth guard is a risk no serious athlete should take. Because one hit, one elbow, one puck; it only takes a second to lose what took years to build.
Frequently asked questions
References
Ferreira, G. B., Guimarães, L. S., Fernandes, C. P., Dias, R. B., Coto, N. P., Antunes, L. a. A., & Antunes, L.
S.
(2018). Is there enough evidence that mouthguards do not affect athletic performance? A systematic literature
review.
International Dental Journal, 69(1), 25-34. https://doi.org/10.1111/idj.12406
Eminoğlu, D. Ö., Kaşali, K., Gençoğlu, C., Ulupinar, S., Özbay, S., Şeran, B., Türksoy, A., & Kiyici, F. (2025).
Mouthguard use, hygiene, and maintenance practices among combat and team sports athletes: A comparative study.
PLoS ONE,
20(1), e0317952. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0317952
Share This Article
Subscribe our newsletter
By clicking subscribe, you agree to our Privacy Policy and opt in to receive communications from Caspersmile. You can unsubscribe at any time.
