General Dentistry |3 min read

Sports Mouthguards: Are They Worth It?

boy with sports mouthguard in his mouth

If you play sports, then yes, a sports mouthguard is worth it.

Protecting your teeth is absolutely essential, especially if you or your child is involved in contact sports such as football, soccer, and basketball.

It doesn’t matter if you play competitively or recreationally – having a custom-fitted sports mouthguard can prevent damage and keep your teeth safe.

Keep reading for more FAQs about a sports mouthguard for any active athletes in your family.

Is a sports mouthguard the same as a dental nightguard?

While they both work to protect your teeth, a sports mouthguard and a dental nightguard aren’t the same.

A nightguard stops you from grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep.

Grinding your teeth at night is a condition referred to as bruxism, and a nightguard works as a protective layer between your upper and lower teeth.

On the other hand:

A sports mouthguard protects your teeth during contact sports from impact.

And the best part? 

A sports mouthguard can be custom-made for athletes with braces too! It’ll protect your teeth and the metal wires and brackets on your top and bottom teeth.

Can a sports mouthguard straighten your teeth?

Unfortunately, a sports mouthguard doesn’t straighten teeth.

It serves to protect your teeth from any harm while playing sports.

If you’re looking to straighten your teeth, check out Invisalign clear aligners!

How do I sanitize my mouthguard?

It’s important to keep your mouthguard clean because bacteria can build up and cause infections.

You should clean your mouthguard after every use!

There are a couple of different ways to clean out your mouthguard before the next time you use them.

Some home tools you can use include:

  • Toothbrush: Designate a separate toothbrush for this task to avoid any cross-contamination of bacteria!
  • Soap and water: Using a mild, alcohol-free soap allows you to clean your mouthguard safely.
  • Baking soda: Combine baking soda and water to create a paste, and use your designated toothbrush to gently brush the paste on your mouthguard. Rinse off the paste with cool water.

Keep in mind:

Let your mouthguard dry completely after cleaning it to minimize bacterial growth.

When do I need to replace my mouthguard?

The lifespan depends on different factors, including:

  • The material of your mouthguard
  • How well you take care of it
  • How often it’s used

Signs you need a new mouthguard include:

  • Crack, tears, or holes
  • Persistent bad odor even when cleaning regularly
  • A loose fit

Schedule a consultation with your dentist to let them know you may need a new mouthguard.

Where can I get custom sports mouthguards near me?

Dr. Bruno da Costa is committed to providing high-quality dentistry at Harmony Dental. 

He treats his patients like family and understands the importance of protecting you or your children in all athletic endeavors.

A sports mouthguard fits comfortably over your teeth and provides essential protection against blows, bumps, and falls.

Keep your teeth safe, and schedule your appointment today!

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Harmony Dental is conveniently located in Beaverton, OR.… This text opens a new tab to the Google Maps website… We happily welcome patients from the neighboring communities, including Tigard, Aloha, Portland, Cedar Hills, Lake Oswego, Raleigh Hills, Sherwood, Garden Home-Whitford, Tualatin, and West Slope.

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