If you are active in any sort of contact sport, you have probably heard of helmets and pads. If you know what helmets and pads are, surely you’ve heard of sports guards? A sports guard in Vaughan is one of the most underestimated yet powerful pieces of equipment in an athlete’s bag. This small piece of equipment can greatly impact the protection of your smile, jaw, and oral health when engaged in sports.
If you’re a student athlete or just enjoy being physically active, knowing how sports guards work and their importance will allow you to play smarter and safer.
What Is a Sport Guard?
A sports guard (or mouthguard) is a protective device that is designed to fit over your teeth to help cushion your mouth and absorb the shock from hits, falls, or impacts that can occur in sports.
Generally speaking, there are three types of sports guards:
- Stock Guards – A guard that is pre-formed and ready to wear and that does not fit well.
- Boil and Bite Guards – A guard that is softened in hot water and then formed to your teeth to improve the fit.
- Custom-Fit Guards – Made by a dentist, probably the most comfortable and provide the most protection.
For athletes with braces or dental work, custom guards are recommended and typically the best option.
Reasons Why Sports Guard is Important in Sport
Many athletes believe that developing strength and skills are the essentials to their training, but the importance of sport guard should never be overlooked, such as:
1. Prevention of dental injuries
Hockey and football players are more likely to require dental work and tend to be more concerned about chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth. A sports guard acts as a shock absorber so that the impact does not reach your teeth with full force.
2. Protection of your jaw
Usually, an athlete who receives a hit over their chin or face will have their lower jaw strike into their upper jaw. This impact can lead to fractures or dislocations and pain. An appropriate sports guard will be able to provide a cushion between the two jaws.
3. Reduction of concussions
Sport guards are not a solution to concussions, but some studies have suggested they may reduce the force that goes through the brain via an impact, therefore possibly reducing concussions.
4. Protection of any orthodontics
A sports guard is even more important for anyone who has braces, wires, or other dental appliances in their mouth. A sports guard is important to protect these devices, and also the soft tissues of your mouth from cuts and bruises through activity.
5. Enhanced confidence on the field
When you know your mouth is protected, you can focus on the game and not get distracted from the fear of injury. That boost in mental confidence often goes a long way in any athlete’s preparation.
Benefits of Sport Guard: More Than Just Protection
Some of the greatest benefits of sports guards include:
- Saving money on dental treatments after accidents
- Custom comfort, especially with dentist-made guards
- Improved breathing and speech during play
- Durability for long seasons of games or practices
- Peace of mind for parents and coaches
A simple guard can prevent thousands of dollars in dental repair and months of recovery time.
Which Sports Require a Sport Guard?
Do you think only boxers need mouthguards? Think again, as some of the sports that require guards are:
- Football
- Basketball
- Wrestling
- Soccer
- Lacrosse
- Martial arts
- Gymnastics
- Hockey
- Skateboarding
- BMX or mountain biking
- Baseball and softball
Basically, any sport with physical contact or falls can lead to dental injuries.
Taking Care of Your Mouthguard
To make sure your guard lasts and stays safe:
- Rinse it before and after use
- Brush it with a toothbrush and mild soap
- Store it in a ventilated, protective case
- Keep it away from hot surfaces
- Don’t chew on it!
- Bring it to your dentist check-ups
Replace your guard when it feels loose, shows damage, or smells bad. If you’re serious about sports, you should be serious about protecting your mouth. A well-fitted sports guard helps keep your teeth, jaw, and gums safe during every game or practice. It’s one of the smartest and simplest investments an athlete can make.
Protect Your Smile with Concord Dental!
At Concord Dental, we provide custom-made sports guards that are comfortable, durable, and athlete-approved. Whether you’re a student-athlete or play recreational sports, our team ensures your mouth is well protected on and off the field.
Looking for a dentist in Vaughan who understands the needs of active individuals? We’ve got you covered with safe, reliable dental solutions that support your performance and protect your health.
Play hard, stay safe, and keep smiling with Concord Dental—book your custom sport guard fitting today!
