Mouthguards: Protecting more than your teeth

Kristen Becker

Kristen Becker, Alberta Health Services

Athletes wear mouthguards to protect their teeth, but what most people don’t know is that they’re also decreasing their risk of other injuries as well. Studies have shown that wearing a fitted sports mouthguard can help prevent concussions, cerebral hemorrhage (i.e., bleeding from a ruptured blood vessel in the brain), broken jaws and neck injuries.


How It Works

A well-fitted mouthguard acts as a cushion or shock absorber that redistributes the blow sustained from contact with the mouth and jaw. It causes the shock to be absorbed more evenly over a larger area and increases the time for the peak force to occur; this has been shown to minimize severity and vastly reduce traumatic injury. The 2007 Sports Medicine Journal published a report, Mouthguards in sport activities: history, physical properties and injury prevention effectiveness; it showed that the overall injury risk was 1.6 to 1.9 times greater when a mouthguard is not worn during physical activity.

Should You Use A Mouthguard?

Dental injuries are common in contact sports, so many Canadian associations have made mouthguards mandatory, including (but not limited to):

• Ontario Minor Hockey League 
• Football Canada 
• Rugby Canada 
• National Karate Association 
• Taekwondo Association of Canada 
• Canadian Lacrosse Associatio
• Canadian Boxing Federation

Other associations such as the National Hockey League, Canadian Football League and the International Rugby Association strongly recommend the use of mouthguards but have not yet included them in their policies. The Canadian Dental Association recommends mouthguards be used by anyone—children and adults—who participates in contact and non-contact sports, as well as any recreational activity that could pose a risk of mouth injury (e.g., mountain biking, skateboarding, gymnastics, weight lifting, etc.). Though the risk of injury from these sports is low, the financial and physical costs of treatment can be high, depending on the type and extent of the injury.

Types of Mouthguards

• Stock: These ready-made mouthguards are the most cost effective and readily available commercially in stores. Due to their “one-size-fits-all” fabrication, these mouthguards are often bulky and can make it difficult to speak, breathe and keep your mouthguard in place. They also offer the least amount of injury protection.
• Mouth formed: Made from a thermoplastic material, these mouthguards soften when placed in warm water and form fit around the teeth. Often called “boil-and-bite” mouthguards, they offer a better, more comfortable fit and greater protection; these can be purchased at most sporting goods stores.
• Custom fit: Although the most expensive, these individually designed mouthguards provide the most comfort and highest level of protection. They are durable and customizable (available in an array of colors and designs). They also need to be prescribed and fitted by a dental professional.

The best mouthguard is the one that you’ll actually use during physical activities. Make sure it fits properly, is comfortable to wear and does not restrict breathing or speech. Remember, even the best mouthguard can’t provide any protection if it’s left sitting on the bench!


Kristen Becker is a dental hygienist with Alberta Health Services’ Population Health Promotion. She can be reached at 403-388-6776 or email Kristen.Becker@albertahealthservices.ca