Athletic Mouthguard

Protect Your Smile on the Field

Wearing a mouthguard while playing sports protects more than just your teeth. A properly fitted athletic mouthguard shields your jawbone, teeth, lips, and cheeks from injury. Thicker mouthguards can also help absorb shock and, in certain circumstances, may help prevent concussions.

At Hudson Dental Center, we create custom-fitted mouthguards designed specifically for your upper teeth. They're comfortable to wear and allow you to fully participate in your sport without distraction.

Why Choose a Custom Mouthguard?

The Academy for Sports Dentistry recommends that male and female athletes in any sport—including football, basketball, softball, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, and boxing—wear a custom-fitted mouthguard made by a dentist. For mouthguards to be effective, they need to be "properly fitted and properly worn."

Three Types of Mouthguards

Over-the-Counter Mouthguards
Pre-made and inexpensive, these are available in stores. We don't recommend them because they're often uncomfortable and don't fit properly.

Boil and Bite Mouthguards
Available in stores, these are fitted by dropping the device into hot water and molding it to your mouth. While inexpensive, they carry a risk of burns and often don't fit properly.

Custom Mouthguards
Only available from your dental professional, custom mouthguards are the most expensive option but fit the best. We take a mold of your mouth to create a mouthguard that's comfortable and effective. They generally last about one year in young adults.

Mouthguards for Braces and Dental Appliances

Mouthguards are very effective in protecting the teeth and oral tissue in individuals who wear braces. They're also recommended for individuals who wear partials or dentures.

If you wear a partial or denture, you should not wear it during sports—it could crack in your mouth or cause choking. Instead, we'll develop a custom mouthguard to fill in the spaces of the partial or denture, keeping you safe while you play.

Mandated Protection

Mouthguards are mandated in every state for high school football, hockey, men's lacrosse, field hockey, and boxing. Some states have also mandated the appliance for other sports. With the growing number of young athletes—including a ten-fold increase in female athletes since 1972—mouthguards have proven to be an effective device in protecting the upper front teeth, which are most often injured during sports.