A sports mouthguard is a flexible piece that covers the upper teeth and absorbs the force of a blow or fall, reducing the risk of broken or knocked-out teeth and cuts to the lips and tongue. It is recommended for sports with contact or a risk of falling, for adults and children alike. The best mouthguard is the one that fits your mouth well, so you actually wear it at every training session and match.
Dental injuries in sport are more common than many people expect, and they can happen in ordinary training, not only in matches. A mouthguard is especially recommended for:
There are three main types, which differ in fit, comfort and level of protection:
Children in sports academies and martial arts clubs are prone to falls and collisions, and their new permanent front teeth sometimes stick out, which increases the risk of injury. A mouthguard is recommended from the start of regular training.
As the jaws grow and teeth change, a mouthguard soon stops fitting, so children often need a new one every season or whenever it becomes tight or loose. Let your child choose a colour they like so they are happy to wear it, and make sure the coach encourages its use.
Good care makes a mouthguard last longer and protects your mouth from bacteria:
If a permanent tooth is knocked out completely, time is critical. The best chance of saving it is putting it back as soon as possible, ideally within 30 minutes to an hour. Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root. If it is dirty, rinse it gently in milk or saline for a few seconds without scrubbing. Try to push it gently back into place and bite on a clean cloth. If you cannot, keep it in a cup of milk, or inside the cheek of the injured person if they are an adult and fully alert, and go to a dentist immediately.
A baby tooth in a young child should not be put back, as this can damage the permanent tooth underneath, but the child should still be seen by a dentist. If the injury comes with loss of consciousness, headache, vomiting or dizziness, emergency medical care comes before the teeth.
A mouthguard clearly reduces dental and mouth injuries, but the evidence does not show that it prevents concussion. Protection from concussion depends on safe play rules and a helmet in sports that require one.
Any mouthguard is better than none, but a custom-made one is more stable and comfortable, which makes it easier to keep wearing, especially in combat sports.
An upper guard is usually enough, as the upper teeth are most at risk. In special cases, such as certain bites or braces, your dentist may suggest a different design.
Yes, and it is recommended, but it needs a design that leaves room for the brackets and does not block tooth movement. Do not use a boil-and-bite guard over braces without asking your orthodontist.
See a dentist before a new sports season to get a suitable mouthguard, and after any blow to the mouth even if the tooth looks fine, because some injuries only show later as a change in colour or pain. Go immediately if a permanent tooth is knocked out, broken or pushed out of place. You can book an appointment at Medical Care Clinics in Al-Shati Al-Gharbi, Dammam, close to Al-Khobar and Dhahran, where our dental team will check your teeth and help you choose the right mouthguard for you and your children.
This article is general health education and does not replace a medical examination. Every case needs its own assessment by a doctor.
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