Athletic Mouthguards

Uncompromising Quality and Luxury in Escondido, CA

At Campbell Dental Arts, we understand the importance of athletic mouthguard. Contact sports such as football and soccer can put patients in danger of injuring their teeth. Many patients lose or break their teeth during a contact sport because they are not wearing athletic mouthguards.

What is an Athletic Mouthguard?

Athletic mouthguards are made at your dentist’s office and are worn during contact sports or other activities that have the potential of injuring your teeth. Non-contact sports such as gymnastics and skateboarding can cause oral damage, and patients should wear mouthguards during these sports.

What Type of Mouthguard Should my Child use?

There are several types of mouthguards, but at Campbell Dental Arts, we recommend custom-made ones for the best fit and protection. Over-the-counter options include stock and boil-and-bite mouthguards. Stock mouthguards are inexpensive but often fit poorly and make breathing difficult. Boil-and-bite options fit better but lack full customization. Custom mouthguards, made from a dental impression by Dr. Campbell and crafted in a lab, offer superior comfort and protection against injury. Investing in a custom-fit mouthguard ensures better safety and durability for your child’s teeth.

Why are Stock Mouthguards not suitable for Long-term Use?

We never recommend boil and bite or stock mouthguards; however, we do not recommend them for extended periods. They are usually a tight or loose fit, but they are also uncomfortable. Stock mouthguards do not provide enough protection from oral injuries and should not be used to replace custom-made mouthguards.

Who Should Get Athletic Mouthguards?

At Campbell Dental Arts, we recommend that patients who play contact sports and non-contact sports with the potential to damage their oral health should wear a mouthguard. However, we highly recommend wearing a mouthguard during sports for patients who have braces because of the increased risk of injury. Most patients wear only a top mouthguard except those who have braces or play specialized sports like boxing.

How Should I Care for My Mouthguard?

It is essential to properly care for your mouthguard to last and not introduce excess bacteria into your mouth. The recommended lifespan for a mouthguard is six months. We also recommend that patients clean their mouthguard with a wet toothbrush after every use. You can also extend the lifespan of your mouthguard by placing it in a ventilated container, such as a mouthguard case, when you are not using it. Patients should also avoid biting on the mouthguard to prevent damage.

What Happens if I Don’t Wear an Athletic Mouthguard?

We recommend wearing an athletic mouthguard during sports to prevent oral injuries. Without one, you're at high risk for knocked-out or broken teeth and soft tissue damage. While we offer emergency dentistry for urgent cases, we strive to prevent emergencies with protective appliances like mouthguards. Stay safe and protect your smile!

Athletic Mouthguards in Escondido, California

Contact and non-contact sports can lead to dental injuries. If your child plays football, soccer, gymnastics, or similar sports, consider a custom-made mouthguard. While over-the-counter options exist, we recommend custom mouthguards for better comfort and protection. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call our office today.