If you or your children play contact or collision sport, a mouthguard is one of the cheapest forms of insurance going. But there's a real difference between the mouthguards you can buy off the shelf and the custom-fitted kind, and it's worth understanding before a preventable injury makes the point for you.
What a mouthguard actually protects
A good mouthguard cushions blows to the face and jaw, helping protect against knocked-out and broken teeth, cuts to the lips and tongue, and jaw injuries. Dental injuries from sport are common, often painful, and can be expensive and complicated to fix, a knocked-out front tooth can mean a lifetime of dental work. Prevention is dramatically cheaper and easier than repair.
The three types, briefly
There are broadly three kinds. Stock mouthguards are pre-formed, cheap, and fit poorly. Boil-and-bite versions are softened in hot water and moulded at home, which is better but still imprecise. Custom mouthguards are made by your dentist from a mould of your teeth, giving a precise, comfortable fit. The differences aren't just about comfort, they affect how well the guard actually protects you.
Why fit matters so much
A mouthguard can only protect you if it stays in place and covers your teeth properly. Ill-fitting boil-and-bite guards can be bulky, shift around, fall out, or make breathing and talking hard, which is exactly why so many end up left in the kit bag. A custom guard fits snugly, stays put on impact, and is comfortable enough that people actually wear it, which is half the battle.
Especially worth it for kids
For children and teenagers playing sport, a custom mouthguard is particularly worthwhile. Young athletes are active, their sport can be rough, and protecting developing teeth matters. Because children's mouths change as they grow, it's worth checking the fit regularly and remaking the guard as needed, a guard that no longer fits doesn't protect properly.
Looking after your mouthguard
A custom guard is an investment, so it's worth caring for: rinse it after use, clean it regularly, store it in a ventilated case rather than a sweaty bag, keep it out of heat and direct sun (which can warp it), and bring it along to check-ups so its fit and condition can be assessed. Looked after, it'll do its job season after season.
Getting fitted
If you or your kids play sport where a knock to the face is possible, a properly fitted mouthguard is well worth it, the small cost upfront can save a great deal of pain, money, and hassle later. Getting one made is quick and straightforward, and I'm happy to sort it out before the season gets underway.