Sports dentistry involves the protection of teeth and oral structures, and the treatment of sports related injuries. The focus of sports dentistry is to increase the awareness of sports related injuries and the prevention of such injuries within the general sporting population.

The challenge is to encourage participation and maximize the benefits of participation whilst limiting the potential for injuries. Prevention and adequate preparation are essential in limiting sporting injuries. Oro-facial injuries are a common form of injury in many sports. Contact sports such as hockey, football, rugby, boxing and martial arts and many sports considered to be non contact including basketball, field hockey, soccer, rollerblading, racquetball, surfing, skateboarding and mountain biking are all associated with considerable numbers of oro- facial injuries.

Properly constructed mouthguards are essential in the prevention of dental injuries and concussions often associated with high impact head trauma.

Mouthguard design and fabrication is extremely important. There are different types of mouthguards and each offers a different level of protection.

Stock and boil and bite mouthguards

Stock Mouthguard: The stock mouthguard, available at most sporting good stores, come in limited sizes (usually small, medium, and large) and are the least expensive and least protective. The prices range approximately from, $3 to $25. These protectors are ready to be used without any further preparation; simply remove from the package and immediately place in the mouth. They are bulky and lack any retention, and therefore must be held in place by constantly biting down. This interferes with speech and breathing, making the stock mouthguard the least acceptable and least protective

The boil and bite mouthguard , also store bought and the most commonly used mouthguard, is heated in hot water and moulded to the teeth. It offers a bit more stability, but is still very bulky and uncomfortable, and generally does not offer the coverage and level of protection required to prevent injury.

Custom fabricated mouthguards

The custom made mouthguards are designed and fitted by your dentist and are the most satisfactory of all types of mouth protectors. They fulfill all the criteria for adaptation, retention, comfort, and stability of material. They interfere the least with speaking and studies have shown that the custom made mouthguard has virtually no effect on breathing.

There are two categories of custom mouthguards, the Vacuum Formed Mouthguard and the Pressure Laminated Mouthguard.

The vacuum formed mouthguard is made from a thermoplastic material (EVA) that offers a much higher level of protection and comfort than store bought mouthguards. The material is a single layer, 3mm thick and formed over a model poured from a patient’s impression.

A laminated mouthguard comprises two or three layers of EVA material, layered together under high heat and pressure which provides exceptional fit and impact resistance. This is the most recommended protection for high contact sports and for the athlete looking for the best in protection.

Additional information for athletes: IOC Medical Commission - Sports Dentistry