What You’ll Learn:
In this blog, we’ll unpack the role of sports mouthguards in preventing dental injuries, what the current research says about their effectiveness, and why choosing the right type of mouthguard is crucial for athletes—especially children and teens.
It’s no secret that sports come with risk, but not all injuries involve sprains and broken bones. Dental injuries—like chipped, fractured, or even knocked-out teeth—are among the most common injuries in contact sports. But can mouthguards really prevent them? And do all mouthguards work equally well?
Let’s explore what science, dentists, and sports safety experts have to say.
The Reality of Dental Injuries in Sport
Whether your child plays footy, rugby, basketball, or even skateboards on the weekend, there’s always the risk of a sudden blow to the face. According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), up to 39% of dental injuries in children are related to sports, and many of these could have been prevented with the use of a mouthguard.
Common dental injuries in sport include:
- Cracked or fractured teeth
- Knocked-out teeth (avulsion)
- Lip, cheek, or tongue lacerations
- Jaw fractures
- Tooth intrusion (when a tooth is pushed into the gum)
These injuries can lead to long-term dental work, ongoing pain, or even permanent tooth loss.
What the Research Tells Us
Multiple studies have shown that mouthguards significantly reduce the risk and severity of dental trauma. For example:
- A study published in the Dental Traumatology Journal found that athletes who wore mouthguards were 82–93% less likely to suffer dental injuries compared to those who did not.
- The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry states that custom-fitted mouthguards can reduce the risk of sports-related dental injuries by up to 60 times.
- A systematic review published in Sports Medicine reinforced that custom-made mouthguards were consistently more effective than over-the-counter or “boil and bite” options, especially in high-impact sports.
The evidence is clear: Mouthguards work. But not all mouthguards offer the same level of protection.
Not All Mouthguards Are Created Equal
There are three main types of mouthguards:
- Stock Mouthguards – Pre-formed and ready to wear. These are inexpensive but often bulky, ill-fitting, and can make breathing or speaking difficult.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards – Available at most pharmacies and shaped at home using hot water. While better than stock guards, they still don’t match the fit or durability of a professional option.
- Custom-Fitted Mouthguards – Made by a dentist using a mould of the athlete’s teeth. These offer the best fit, comfort, and protection, especially for kids with braces or developing teeth.
If your child plays a contact sport, a custom-fitted mouthguard is the safest and most effective choice.
More Than Just Tooth Protection
Mouthguards aren’t just for preventing chipped teeth. A well-designed guard can:
- Protect the jaw and reduce risk of fractures
- Prevent lacerations to soft tissue (tongue, cheeks, lips)
- Minimise concussion risk by absorbing and distributing the force of impact
While no mouthguard can completely prevent concussion, there’s growing evidence to suggest that wearing one reduces the severity of head and jaw injuries.
The Bottom Line
Yes, mouthguards absolutely help prevent dental injuries—and the research backs it up. But the key is using a properly fitted, custom-made mouthguard, especially in kids and teens whose mouths are still developing. They’re a small investment in lifelong dental health.
If your child plays sport and doesn’t yet have a custom-fitted mouthguard, it’s worth scheduling a visit with your family dentist. Protecting their smile now could prevent major dental work later.