A single impact to the mouth can cause dental injuries that require extensive, costly treatment and may affect your smile for life. At The Dental Difference in Brick, NJ, Dr. Mosmen provides custom mouthguards that protect your teeth, jaw, and soft tissues during sports and high-impact activities.
Whether you’re an athlete, a parent of an active child, or someone who participates in recreational sports, a custom mouthguard is one of the smartest investments you can make in protecting your oral health.
Night Guard
Why Athletes Need Custom Mouthguards
Contact sports and high-impact activities pose a significant risk of dental injury. A well-fitted mouthguard absorbs and distributes the force of impact, protecting your teeth from being chipped, cracked, or knocked out entirely.
Mouthguards also protect your jaw from fractures, shield your lips and cheeks from cuts caused by your own teeth, and reduce the risk of concussion by cushioning blows to the jaw that can transmit force to the brain.
Sports and activities where mouthguards are essential include:
- Football, hockey, and lacrosse
- Basketball, soccer, and baseball
- Boxing, martial arts, and wrestling
- Skateboarding, BMX, and extreme sports
- Any activity with a risk of falls or contact
Even non-contact sports can result in collisions or falls that put your teeth at risk. A mouthguard provides protection and peace of mind.
Preventing Serious Dental Injuries
Dental injuries from sports are common, painful, and often expensive to repair. A knocked-out tooth requires immediate emergency care and may need a dental implant for permanent replacement. A fractured tooth may require a crown or root canal. Injuries to the jaw can take months to heal.
Custom mouthguards dramatically reduce the risk of these injuries. Studies show that athletes who wear mouthguards are 60 times less likely to suffer dental injuries than those who don’t.
The cost of a custom mouthguard is minimal compared to the cost of treating a serious dental injury. It’s a small investment that can save you thousands of dollars and significant discomfort.
Custom Vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards
Not all mouthguards provide the same level of protection. Store-bought options are inexpensive but often fail to deliver adequate protection or comfort.
Types Of Mouthguards Include:
- Stock mouthguards come pre-formed and ready to wear. They don’t conform to your teeth, fit poorly, make breathing and speaking difficult, and provide minimal protection.
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards are softened in hot water and molded to your teeth. They fit slightly better than stock guards but still lack precision, wear out quickly, and may not stay in place during impact.
- Custom mouthguards are made from precise impressions of your teeth. They fit securely, stay in place during activity, allow normal breathing and speaking, and provide superior protection because the material is distributed exactly where it’s needed.
Custom mouthguards are more comfortable, more durable, and significantly more protective than generic alternatives.
Mouthguards For All Ages
Children and teenagers are at especially high risk for dental injuries because they’re actively involved in sports and their permanent teeth are still developing. A custom mouthguard protects these teeth during critical years.
Adults who participate in sports or recreational activities also benefit from mouthguard protection. Dental injuries don’t discriminate by age, and the consequences are just as serious for adults as for children.
Dr. Mosmen can create custom mouthguards for patients of all ages, ensuring a proper fit and maximum protection regardless of tooth size or dental work.
Fit, Comfort, & Performance
One of the biggest advantages of a custom mouthguard is how comfortable it is to wear. Because it’s made specifically for your mouth, it fits snugly without feeling bulky or interfering with breathing.
A well-fitted mouthguard stays in place during activity without needing to be held with clenched teeth. This allows you to breathe normally, communicate with teammates, and focus on performance rather than discomfort.
Many athletes find that custom mouthguards actually improve their performance by reducing anxiety about injury and allowing them to play more confidently.
Caring For Your Mouthguard
Proper care extends the life of your mouthguard and keeps it hygienic.
To maintain your mouthguard:
- Rinse it with cool water before and after each use
- Brush it gently with a toothbrush and mild soap
- Store it in a ventilated case to prevent bacteria growth
- Keep it away from heat, which can warp the material
- Bring it to dental appointments for inspection
Avoid chewing on your mouthguard or leaving it in direct sunlight or hot cars. Heat can distort the fit and reduce its protective effectiveness.
When To Replace Your Mouthguard
Even well-maintained mouthguards wear out over time. Dr. Mosmen will inspect your mouthguard during routine exams and recommend replacement when necessary.
Signs that you need a new mouthguard include:
- Visible wear, thinning, or holes in the material
- Loose or poor fit due to tooth movement or growth
- Cracks or tears in the guard
- Difficulty breathing or speaking while wearing it
- Unpleasant odor that doesn’t improve with cleaning
Children and teenagers may need new mouthguards more frequently as their mouths grow and teeth shift. Adults typically replace mouthguards every one to two years, depending on wear.
Play Hard,
Stay Protected
At The Dental Difference, custom mouthguards are part of our commitment to helping patients protect their smiles during every aspect of life. Dr. Mosmen creates mouthguards that fit perfectly, feel comfortable, and provide the protection you need to play confidently. Call our Brick, NJ office or book online to schedule your mouthguard fitting. We'll create a custom guard that keeps your smile safe during every game, match, and activity.