Who Should Wear a Mouthguard?

A hard hit on the field or a fall on the court can change a smile in seconds. Athletic mouthguards are one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect teeth during sports—and they are important for far more people than just football players.

At Middleburg Smiles, our team helps athletes of all ages in Middleburg, Aldie, Ashburn, Purcellville, Warrenton, Marshall, South Riding, Leesburg, Haymarket, and throughout Loudoun and Fauquier counties stay in the game with healthy, protected smiles.

Why sports mouthguards matter

Sports‑related dental injuries are more common than many families realize. A single blow to the mouth can cause:

Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
Teeth that are knocked loose or completely out
Cuts to the lips, cheeks, and tongue
Damage to braces, wires, or other dental work

In many cases, these injuries are painful, expensive to treat, and sometimes permanent. A properly fitted athletic mouthguard creates a cushion between the teeth and soft tissues, helping absorb and spread out the force of a hit or fall so less impact reaches the teeth and jaw.

Some research also suggests that well‑designed mouthguards may help reduce the risk or severity of certain concussion‑related forces by absorbing some of the shock from impacts to the jaw. While no mouthguard can prevent every concussion, it is an important part of an overall safety plan.

Who should wear an athletic mouthguard?

If there is a chance of contact with other players, the ball, equipment, or the ground, a mouthguard is a smart idea. That includes:

‍Contact sports: Football, hockey, lacrosse, rugby, wrestling, and boxing ‍
Limited‑contact sports: Basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball, softball, field hockey ‍
Individual and “fall risk” activities: Gymnastics, biking, skateboarding, scootering, skiing, snowboarding, and martial arts

Many organized leagues require mouthguards for certain sports, but even when they are optional, they still offer valuable protection.

Athletes who wear braces are at especially high risk if they play without a guard. A hit to the mouth can push brackets and wires into the lips and cheeks, causing deep cuts and damage to the orthodontic hardware. A well‑designed mouthguard helps shield both the teeth and the braces.

Mouthguards are important for adults as well as children and teens. Adult rec‑league players, weekend warriors, and riders can all benefit from the same level of protection—injuries do not stop after high school.

‍Types of sports mouthguards

There are three main categories of athletic mouthguards:

‍Stock (ready‑made) mouthguards:

Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
Pre‑formed and sold in sporting goods stores.
Least expensive, but often bulky and difficult to keep in place.
Can make it harder to breathe and talk, which means many athletes do not wear them consistently.

‍Boil‑and‑bite mouthguards:

Made from thermoplastic material that is softened in hot water and then shaped in the mouth.
Fit better than stock guards but can still be uneven, thin in critical areas, or uncomfortable if not molded correctly.

Custom mouthguards from a dentist:

Created from impressions or digital scans of your teeth for a truly personalized fit.
Even thickness in key areas provides better shock absorption and protection.
More comfortable, which means athletes are more likely to wear them every time they play or practice.

Professional organizations such as the American College of Prosthodontists recommend custom‑made guards for the best combination of comfort, protection, and durability—especially for athletes in contact sports.

Why choose a custom sports mouthguard from Middleburg Smiles?

Custom athletic mouthguards are designed to fit your mouth—not a “one size fits all” mold. At Middleburg Smiles, the process is simple:

1. Evaluation and impressions:

Your dentist or team member checks your teeth and bite, then takes quick impressions or digital scans of your upper teeth.

2. Customized design:

The guard is crafted to match your specific mouth, including any existing dental work or braces, and to provide proper thickness in high‑impact areas.

3. Try‑in and adjustments:

Once the mouthguard is ready, you will try it on in the office. Any small areas of tightness or looseness can be adjusted so it feels secure but comfortable.

Compared to store‑bought options, custom guards typically:

Stay in place securely without needing to bite down constantly
Make it easier to breathe, speak, and hydrate during games
Offer better long‑term durability and resistance to wear
Provide more predictable protection for teeth, braces, and dental restorations

For young athletes who are still growing, the fit will need to be checked regularly and the mouthguard may need to be remade periodically as teeth and jaws change. The team at Middleburg Smiles can help you decide how often to update your child’s guard.

‍Caring for an athletic mouthguard

Taking good care of a mouthguard helps it last longer and stay hygienic. Simple tips include:

Rinsing it with cool water before and after each use
Brushing it gently with a toothbrush and mild soap (not toothpaste, which can be abrasive)
Storing it in a ventilated case so it can dry between uses
Keeping it out of hot cars, boiling water, or direct sunlight, which can warp the material
Bringing it to dental checkups so your dentist can check for wear, cracks, or changes in fit

If the mouthguard becomes loose, thin, cracked, or uncomfortable—or if your child’s teeth have changed significantly—it is time to replace it.

Protecting smiles on and off the field

Sports are a big part of life for many families in Middleburg and the surrounding communities, and they come with countless physical, social, and emotional benefits. A custom athletic mouthguard is a small investment that can prevent serious dental injuries, reduce emergency visits, and help athletes stay focused on the game instead of worrying about their teeth.

If you or your child participates in sports or high‑impact activities and does not yet have a properly fitted mouthguard, the team at Middleburg Smiles is here to help. Call the office or request an appointment online to learn more about custom sports mouthguards for athletes in Middleburg, Aldie, Ashburn, Purcellville, Warrenton, Marshall, South Riding, Leesburg, Haymarket, and beyond.

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