Every April, Expat Dental observes National Facial Protection Month, dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting the face and head during sports and recreational activities. The campaign highlights the importance of using protective gear, such as mouthguards, helmets, and face shields, to reduce the risk of injuries. And for a dental clinic, that’s important when studies have reported that approximately 39% of all dental injuries in the United States are sports-related! We know that wearing a properly fitted mouthguard can significantly reduce the risk of dental injuries during contact sports — learn more below and make an appointment for your mouthguard at our Novena Dental Clinic.
How Mouthguards Prevent Dental Emergencies
Did you know that athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer harm to the teeth when not wearing a mouthguard? And while that number should make most athletes wear one, only 7% of athletes wear mouthguards consistently during practice and games. Let’s explore how mouthguards help protect your teeth, mouth, and jaw, and why you should wear one during sports:
1. Cushion Impact
Mouthguards serve as shock absorbers by spreading the force of an impact across a larger area. This prevents the entire pressure from concentrating on a single tooth, which could otherwise cause chips, cracks, or even tooth loss.
2. Prevent Broken or Knocked-Out Teeth
Engaging in high-contact sports such as rugby, football, hockey, or martial arts comes with the risk of sudden impacts that could break or dislodge teeth. A well-fitting mouthguard serves as a protective barrier, helping to stabilize teeth, and can significantly lower the chances of them being knocked out, chipped, or cracked.
3. Protect Soft Tissues
Your lips, cheeks, and tongue are at risk too. A mouthguard helps shield them from being cut or bitten during unexpected jaw movements or impacts.
4. Reduce Risk of Jaw Injuries
Some mouthguards are crafted to stabilize the jaw, which can significantly lessen the likelihood of fractures or dislocations. This is especially crucial in sports that involve frequent falls or impacts to the chin.
5. May Lower Risk of Concussions
Though not a guarantee, research indicates that mouthguards may lessen the impact of concussions. They work by absorbing shock that might otherwise reach your skull and brain.
A Guide to Custom vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards
When you’re considering a mouthguard, you’ll see that you have the option of three types: stock mouthguards, boil-and-bite, and custom. Below you’ll find out more details, as well as the pros and cons of each.
If you play contact sports regularly, wear braces, or want max protection with minimal bulk, a custom-fitted mouthguard is a game-changer. In fact, custom-fitted mouthguards reduce the risk of sports-related dental injuries by up to 82%. At Expat Dental, our dentists in Singapore can tailor your mouthguard to your unique bite, ensuring no slipping, pinching, or discomfort.
Stock Mouthguards
Pre-formed, no customization.
Inexpensive but poor fit.
Least protective option.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
Soften in hot water, then mold to teeth.
Better fit than stock, but not as precise as custom.
Good middle ground for casual athletes.
Custom Mouthguards
- Made to fit your exact teeth and bite.
- Best comfort.
- Superior protection.
| Feature | Custom Mouthguards 🦷 (From Dentist) | Store-Bought Mouthguards 🛒 (Boil-and-Bite or Stock) |
|---|---|---|
| Fit & Comfort | ✅ Best fit—molded to your exact teeth/jaw | ❌ One-size-fits-all or semi-fitted |
| Protection Level | ✅ Superior—covers all teeth & absorbs impact | 🚫 Basic to moderate—may not cover all teeth evenly |
| Breathing & Speaking | ✅ Easy—low profile and secure fit | 😤 Often bulky—can affect breathing/talking |
| Durability | ✅ Long-lasting—made with high-quality materials | ❌ Wears down quickly, especially with heavy use |
| Cost | 💸 Higher | 💲 Low |
| Convenience | 😷 Requires short dental visit and wait time | ✅ Available instantly at sporting goods stores |
| Best For | 🏈 Serious and casual athletes, braces wearers, contact sports | 🏀 Low-risk sports, backup guards |
The Cost of Dental Care for Sports Injuries Without Protection
Often times, dental patients can think of their dental care as optional. At Expat Dental, we believe in proactive dental care because we know that neglecting your care today typically causes greater costs down the line. Mouthguard protection is no exception. The American Dental Association estimates that sports-related dental injuries can cost tens of thousands of dollars over a lifetime, especially if long-term maintenance is needed. So when you’re weighing your options, remember that the cost of treating a knocked-out tooth can range from $5,000 to $20,000 over a lifetime, compared to the average cost of a custom mouthguard.
Need a mouthguard? At our Novena Dental Clinic, we offer two options based on the protection you need:
- A moulded guard that’s made of slightly softer material, suitable for non-contact sports.
- Our custom-made guard, which is based on a scan of your teeth and offer more comfort and better protection for impact sports.
The process requires a 15-minute appointment and will be ready in 7-10 days. Contact us now for pricing!
