For student athletes in East Tennessee, sports are more than a hobby—they are a passion, a pathway to teamwork, and for some, a stepping stone to college scholarships. Whether it is football on a Friday night, wrestling season, or basketball tournaments, the competition is fierce and the risks are real. One of the most important but often overlooked pieces of athletic equipment is the mouthguard.
A custom or properly fitted mouthguard not only protects teeth but also prevents jaw injuries and concussions. For families investing time, money, and energy into their child’s athletic career, safeguarding that investment with the right mouthguard is a simple yet powerful step.
This guide explores the role of mouthguards in youth and high school sports, how they prevent injuries, the difference between types, and why choosing a custom-fitted option from your orthodontist can make all the difference.
Why Mouthguards Matter in High School Athletics
In contact sports such as football, basketball, wrestling, and soccer, impacts to the face are common. Even non-contact sports like track or volleyball can pose risks from falls or collisions. A mouthguard acts as a shock absorber, cushioning the teeth, lips, tongue, and jaw from direct trauma.
The real-world impact
- The American Dental Association estimates that mouthguards prevent over 200,000 dental injuries every year.
- Athletes who do not wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to experience tooth damage or loss.
- A single dental injury can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars in repairs—often exceeding the total cost of braces or orthodontic treatment.
For East TN families, where orthodontic care represents both a health and financial investment, mouthguards are a vital layer of protection.
How Mouthguards Protect More Than Just Teeth
Mouthguards are designed to do more than keep teeth intact. They also help:
- Absorb shock to prevent jaw fractures
- Reduce the risk of soft tissue injury to the lips, cheeks, and tongue
- Lower the risk of concussion by minimizing jaw impact forces transmitted to the skull
- Stabilize orthodontic appliances like braces or retainers during physical activity
When worn properly, a mouthguard helps distribute the force of a hit across a wider area, significantly lowering the likelihood of serious injury.
Types of Mouthguards Available for Athletes
Not all mouthguards offer the same level of protection or comfort. Choosing the right type depends on your sport, level of competition, and whether you wear orthodontic appliances.
Stock Mouthguards
These pre-formed guards are available at most sporting goods stores. They are inexpensive and ready to use immediately but offer minimal protection and poor fit. Because they cannot be adjusted, athletes often have difficulty breathing or speaking while wearing them.
Best for: Temporary use or low-impact sports
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
Made from thermoplastic material, these guards soften in hot water, allowing athletes to mold them to their teeth by biting down. They fit better than stock models and offer moderate protection, though the material can wear out quickly with regular use.
Best for: Budget-conscious athletes who want a semi-custom fit
Custom-Fitted Mouthguards
Created by an orthodontist or dentist, custom mouthguards are molded from impressions of the athlete’s teeth. They offer superior comfort, durability, and protection. Because they fit precisely, athletes can breathe and speak easily while keeping their mouths protected.
Best for: High school and competitive athletes, especially those with braces or aligners
Custom guards are a smart investment for East TN athletes whose families want to protect orthodontic work, as braces can be damaged by stock or boil-and-bite guards.
Why Custom Mouthguards Are Ideal for Braces
For athletes with braces, standard mouthguards rarely provide proper protection or comfort. Custom-fitted guards are specially designed to:
- Fit over brackets and wires without causing irritation
- Allow for natural tooth movement as orthodontic treatment progresses
- Protect soft tissues from being cut by metal braces during impact
- Reduce the risk of damage to orthodontic appliances
Orthodontists in East Tennessee frequently recommend custom mouthguards because they are made from flexible, medical-grade materials that adapt as teeth shift, ensuring lasting comfort throughout treatment.
To learn more about caring for braces during athletic seasons, visit East Tennessee Orthodontics’ teen treatment page.
Common Sports That Require or Recommend Mouthguards
Mouthguards are required or strongly recommended in many high school and youth sports.
Required in most programs:
- Football
- Wrestling
- Boxing
- Field hockey
- Ice hockey
Strongly recommended:
- Basketball
- Baseball and softball (especially for infielders and catchers)
- Soccer
- Volleyball
- Gymnastics
- Skateboarding or mountain biking
Even in sports not formally requiring them, accidents happen. A collision with another player, a fall, or a stray ball can result in broken teeth or worse. Wearing a mouthguard is a small effort for major protection.
How to Care for Your Mouthguard
A mouthguard only works when it is clean, well-maintained, and in good condition. Poor hygiene or wear can lead to bacteria buildup or poor fit.
Maintenance tips for athletes
- Rinse before and after use: Use cold water or mouthwash to clean bacteria.
- Brush gently with a toothbrush: Avoid hot water, which can deform the material.
- Store in a ventilated case: Prevent bacterial growth by letting it air-dry.
- Avoid chewing on it: This can weaken the structure and reduce protection.
- Replace when worn or loose: Especially after major orthodontic adjustments.
Most orthodontists recommend replacing a mouthguard at the start of each new sports season or once it no longer fits snugly.
The Cost of Protection vs. The Cost of Injury
One of the biggest misconceptions about mouthguards is that they are expensive. In reality, they are one of the most affordable pieces of sports safety gear, especially when compared to the cost of repairing dental injuries.
Average costs:
- Stock mouthguard: $5–$15
- Boil-and-bite: $15–$30
- Custom-fitted: $75–$200 (depending on materials and orthodontic needs)
Potential dental injury repair costs:
- Chipped or broken tooth: $300–$1,000 per tooth
- Root canal and crown: $2,000 or more
- Lost tooth replacement: $3,000–$5,000 (implant or bridge)
A single custom mouthguard can save thousands of dollars in potential damage to teeth and orthodontic work.
Balancing Performance and Protection
Modern mouthguards are designed for comfort and minimal interference with speech or breathing. Custom designs can even include team colors or logos, giving athletes a chance to show team spirit while staying safe.
Orthodontic practices across East Tennessee use lightweight materials that make it easier for athletes to focus on performance without distraction. Whether your teen is a quarterback, sprinter, or wrestler, the right mouthguard enhances both confidence and safety.
How to Get a Custom Mouthguard in East Tennessee
Getting a custom mouthguard is simple. During a quick visit, your orthodontist will take an impression or digital scan of the teeth. This model is then used to create a personalized mouthguard that fits perfectly.
The process usually takes:
- Initial consultation and fitting: 15–30 minutes
- Fabrication: Typically 1–2 weeks depending on lab time
- Final fitting: Ensures proper comfort and protection before athletic use
Orthodontists often design mouthguards to accommodate braces or retainers, ensuring no interference with ongoing treatment.
For personalized recommendations or appointments, visit East Tennessee Orthodontics to learn more about custom mouthguard options for student athletes.
Mouthguards and Concussion Prevention
Although no mouthguard can fully prevent concussions, research suggests that custom-fitted guards can reduce the severity of impact-related injuries. By absorbing and dispersing force from jaw collisions, they help limit the transmission of shock to the brain.
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that athletes wearing custom mouthguards experienced fewer concussion symptoms than those using stock models. For East TN high school sports programs, where player safety is a growing priority, this data supports the move toward better protective equipment.
The Role of Coaches and Parents in Mouthguard Compliance
Compliance is crucial. Many injuries occur not because players lack mouthguards, but because they forget or choose not to wear them during practices or scrimmages.
Coaches can help by:
- Making mouthguards mandatory for all contact practices
- Checking before games to ensure players are equipped
- Teaching athletes how to clean and store their guards
Parents can help by:
- Encouraging consistent use even in non-game settings
- Checking for proper fit as teeth shift or grow
- Replacing worn mouthguards promptly
Athletes who view mouthguards as part of their standard uniform are far more likely to develop lifelong habits of protection.
Addressing Common Myths About Mouthguards
“They are uncomfortable.”
A custom-fitted mouthguard is molded precisely to your teeth and bite, allowing easy speech and breathing.
“They are not necessary for my sport.”
Even non-contact sports pose risks for accidental collisions or falls.
“Mouthguards make it hard to talk or breathe.”
Poorly fitted stock guards can cause this problem, but orthodontic mouthguards are designed to feel natural and secure.
“I already have braces, so I can’t wear one.”
In fact, you need one even more. Custom orthodontic mouthguards are made to fit comfortably over braces and protect both teeth and hardware.
The Connection Between Mouthguards and Orthodontic Investment
For families with children in braces or aligners, a mouthguard is not optional—it is protection for thousands of dollars’ worth of orthodontic work. A single impact can bend wires, break brackets, or shift teeth, setting treatment back months.
Orthodontists across East Tennessee emphasize that prevention is far more cost-effective than repair. Custom mouthguards shield not only teeth but also the progress achieved through months of careful orthodontic adjustments.
Conclusion
From high school football to weekend travel soccer, East Tennessee athletes are putting their smiles and safety on the line every time they play. A mouthguard is more than a piece of equipment—it is essential insurance for their health, performance, and long-term confidence.
By choosing a custom-fitted mouthguard, athletes protect both their teeth and their orthodontic investment. With proper care and consistent use, this small device can prevent major injuries, reduce costs, and keep players focused on what matters most: playing their best.
For expert guidance or to schedule a custom fitting, contact East Tennessee Orthodontics. Their experienced team specializes in protective solutions for student athletes at every level of competition.
Key Takeaways
- Mouthguards protect against broken teeth, soft tissue injuries, and concussions.
- Athletes without mouthguards are 60 times more likely to experience dental trauma.
- Custom-fitted mouthguards offer the best comfort, protection, and performance.
- They are essential for athletes with braces to protect orthodontic hardware.
- Proper care includes rinsing, brushing, and replacing worn guards regularly.
- The cost of a custom mouthguard is minor compared to the cost of repairing injuries.
- Coaches and parents play key roles in ensuring consistent mouthguard use.
- Investing in a high-quality mouthguard protects both athletic performance and orthodontic progress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why do high school athletes need mouthguards?
Mouthguards protect teeth, lips, tongue, and jaws from injuries caused by contact, collisions, or falls. They also help prevent costly dental damage and reduce the risk of concussions during sports.
2. What type of mouthguard offers the best protection?
Custom-fitted mouthguards made by an orthodontist or dentist offer the best combination of comfort, fit, and protection. They’re tailored to your unique bite, making them more effective than store-bought options.
3. Can athletes with braces wear a mouthguard?
Yes, and they absolutely should. Special orthodontic mouthguards are designed to fit comfortably over braces, protecting both the teeth and the brackets from impact.
4. How often should a mouthguard be replaced?
Most orthodontists recommend replacing mouthguards at least once a year or sooner if the athlete’s teeth shift, the guard becomes loose, or it shows signs of wear.
5. How should I clean and store my mouthguard?
Rinse it before and after each use, brush it gently with a toothbrush, and let it air-dry in a ventilated case. Avoid using hot water, which can warp the material.
6. Are mouthguards required in all high school sports?
They are mandatory in contact sports like football, wrestling, and field hockey but are also strongly recommended for basketball, baseball, soccer, and other high-impact activities.
7. Do mouthguards really help prevent concussions?
While no device can fully prevent concussions, a properly fitted mouthguard helps absorb and distribute impact forces, reducing the severity of blows to the head or jaw.
8. How much does a custom mouthguard cost?
Custom mouthguards typically cost between $75 and $200, depending on materials and design. Considering that repairing a single broken tooth can cost thousands, it’s a worthwhile investment.
9. Can I use a boil-and-bite mouthguard instead of a custom one?
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are better than nothing, but they don’t offer the same level of fit, comfort, or durability. For athletes with braces, only a custom mouthguard provides reliable protection.
10. Where can I get a custom mouthguard in East Tennessee?
Local orthodontic specialists such as East Tennessee Orthodontics can take impressions or digital scans to create a personalized, high-performance mouthguard designed for both protection and comfort.