Sports Guards and Athletic Mouthguards: Protecting Your Smile During Play in Surrey
At a Glance
A custom-fit sports guard is the most reliable way to prevent broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, and jaw injuries during athletic activity. This guide explains how guards work, why a professional fit outperforms store-bought options, and how to care for one. Panorama Place Dental Centre fits custom sports guards for athletes of all ages here in Surrey, BC.
Why a Sports Guard Belongs in Every Athlete's Gear Bag
Sports build strength, confidence, and community. They also put your face in the path of elbows, sticks, balls, and hard floors. A single collision can chip a front tooth, knock one out entirely, or damage the jaw, and dental injuries rarely heal on their own the way a bruise does.
A sports guard works by absorbing and spreading the force of a blow across a larger area. Instead of one tooth taking the full impact, the cushion of the guard distributes that energy so no single point bears the load.
A sports guard is a fitted device worn over the upper teeth to protect against impact injuries during physical activity. It reduces the risk of chipped or broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, nerve damage, and cuts to the lips, tongue, and cheeks. It also helps guard against jaw injuries by keeping the upper and lower teeth from slamming together.
The numbers back this up. Research shows athletes who skip a mouthguard face a meaningfully higher risk of orofacial injury, and studies of high school sports consistently find that around three-quarters of dental injuries happen when no guard was being worn. In Canada, guards are mandatory for minor hockey, amateur football, rugby, lacrosse, and boxing, and strongly recommended for basketball, soccer, baseball, skateboarding, and martial arts.
Custom-Fit vs. Boil-and-Bite: Why We Recommend a Professional Guard
Two main options exist: a custom guard made by your dentist and an over-the-counter boil-and-bite guard from a sporting goods store. Both offer protection, but there are important differences in fit, comfort, durability, and performance.
A custom-fit mouthguard starts with an impression or digital scan of your teeth taken during a visit to the clinic. The guard is made to match your individual bite, providing consistent coverage while staying securely in place. Because custom guards are typically slimmer and more precise, they tend to interfere less with breathing and speaking. With proper care, a custom mouthguard may also last one to two seasons, depending on use, wear, and changes to your teeth or bite.
A boil-and-bite mouthguard uses a more standardized shape that is softened in hot water and then moulded around the teeth at home. While this provides a more personalized fit than a basic stock mouthguard, the result can still be bulkier and less precise than a professionally fitted option. Boil-and-bite guards may loosen or shift during activity, can interfere more with breathing or speaking, and generally wear out sooner.
For athletes who regularly participate in contact or high-impact sports, a custom-fit guard can offer a more secure and comfortable option. Comfort is especially important because a mouthguard can only provide protection when it is worn consistently during play.
If you are ready for a guard built to fit, you can schedule an appointment for a fitting. The process is quick and comfortable, and it pairs well with a routine preventive care visit.
How to Care for Your Athletic Mouthguard
A guard only protects if it stays clean and keeps its shape. A few simple habits extend its life and keep bacteria in check:
Rinse after every use with cool water to clear saliva and debris. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic.
Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or non-abrasive toothpaste after practices and games.
Air-dry completely before storing to reduce bacterial growth.
Store it in a ventilated case, never loose in a gym bag or sealed plastic bag.
Keep it away from heat, including hot water and a sunny car dashboard, which can distort the fit.
Bring it to checkups so the team can inspect the fit and condition and flag any cracks or wear.
For a deeper clean, soaking the guard in a denture or retainer cleaner once a week helps control odor. Replace the guard if you notice cracks, tears, or a smell that will not rinse away.
Get a Custom Sports Guard in Surrey
Whether it is a child starting in a Surrey hockey league or an adult playing weekend basketball, a well-fitted guard is one of the simplest ways to protect a smile. Panorama Place Dental Centre creates custom sports guards for athletes of all ages and skill levels, and getting fitted is a straightforward, single-visit process for most patients.
Protecting your teeth on the ice, field, or court starts before the season does. To get a custom guard made for you or your family, contact our office or book a fitting online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does a custom sports guard last?
A: Typically one to two seasons, depending on wear and, for growing kids, changes in the teeth and jaw. It is a good idea to have the guard checked at the start of each season so any loss of fit or damage is caught early.
Q: At what age should my child start wearing a sports guard?
A: As soon as they take part in any contact sport or activity with a risk of falls or equipment-to-face contact. That includes hockey, football, basketball, soccer, and even gymnastics or skateboarding. Guards can be made for baby and mixed dentition and remade as the teeth change.
Q: Will a sports guard affect my breathing or speaking?
A: A well-made custom guard has minimal impact. Because it is trimmed to your exact bite, it feels far less bulky than a store-bought version, allowing easier breathing and clearer communication during play.