Arlinton, MA is home to many active athletes – from high school football players to adult boxers – and keeping their smiles safe during play is crucial. A well-fitted sports mouth guard acts as a protective dental barrier when contacts sports or high-impact activities are involved. Custom-made guards, provided by local dentists in Arlington, Massachusetts, cushion the teeth and gums against blows, helping to prevent fractures, chips, or even tooth loss. By absorbing and redistributing force, a quality mouth guard reduces the risk of serious dental injuries (and the costly repairs that come with them) while allowing athletes to breathe and communicate normally.
Active participation in sports is a big part of life in Arlington, and whether you’re playing youth soccer at a local park or winter hockey at the community rink, wearing a mouth guard can save you from pain and expensive dental work later. In fact, dental research shows that athletes using mouth guards have a much lower rate of dental injuries than those who do not. Arlington Dental offers custom sports mouth guards for local athletes and patients, ensuring each guard fits perfectly to their bite. This article explains why you need a sports mouth guard, which sports require them, how to choose the right type, and where in Arlington you can get a high-quality custom mouth guard to keep your smile safe.
Sports and recreational activities can expose you to impacts that are hard on your teeth and jaw. Dental experts (including the American Dental Association) agree: properly fitted mouth guards significantly reduce the risk and severity of mouth injuries during athletic activities. Studies confirm this – for example, college basketball players who wore custom mouth guards had far fewer dental injuries than those who didn’t. Even in non-contact sports like skateboarding or gymnastics, falls can happen, and a mouth guard helps protect against chipped or knocked-out teeth.
In Arlington and beyond, the cost of replacing or repairing teeth after an injury can be enormous – often much higher than the cost of a custom guard in the first place. One expert notes that mouth guards could save athletes the inconvenience and high cost of restoring or replacing teeth. By cushioning blows to the face, a mouth guard also guards against cuts to the lips or tongue and can even lessen jaw and TMJ injuries. In short, whether you play contact sports or high-velocity athletics, wearing a sports mouth guard is a simple way to protect your smile and avoid trauma.
In Arlington, many popular sports involve potential contact. High school football players at Arlington High School, for instance, regularly use mouth guards (as shown above) during practice and games. But it’s not just football – any sport with risk of falls or collisions warrants a guard. Even sports like baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, and martial arts are on the ADA’s list of activities where a mouth guard is recommended. Arlington youth leagues and adult sports clubs all emphasize wearing protective gear; the mouth guard is just as important as a helmet or pads for keeping your smile safe.
It’s a common misconception that only “contact sports” need mouth protection. The ADA explicitly recommends mouth guards for a wide range of athletic and recreational activities with any risk of impact. Contact sports like football, hockey, lacrosse, rugby, and boxing are obvious examples. But the ADA also includes limited-contact and even “solo” sports on its list. For instance, basketball, baseball, gymnastics, field hockey, skateboarding, skiing, and even surfing or skateboarding are sports where mouth guards help prevent injury. Arlington’s active community means you should consider a guard even for soccer, volleyball, wrestling, or martial arts.
Local context is key: Arlington High School athletes, youth soccer and lacrosse players, and even those who ski or snowboard in New England can all benefit. The ADA’s official table of sports (Table 1) recommends mouth guards for basketball, boxing, football, soccer, hockey, wrestling, and more. In Arlington, that covers most team sports. Remember: it’s always better to use a mouth guard “just in case” – a hard fall on the playground, a stray elbow on the court, or a sudden tackle on the field can all happen when you least expect it. Wearing a mouth guard during any high-risk activity is a simple preventive step to protect teeth.
There are three main types of mouth guards, each with different levels of fit and protection:
Stock (Over-the-Counter) Guards: These are pre-formed and ready to wear. You can buy them at a sporting goods store or pharmacy for $10–$50. They come in limited sizes and are rigid, so you must clench your teeth to hold them in place. Stock guards are cheapest but least protective because they fit poorly and can easily shift during play. They often feel bulky and can interfere with breathing and speaking.
Boil-and-Bite (Mouth-Formed) Guards: Made of thermoplastic, these guards soften in hot water and then mold to your teeth by biting down. They are widely available and more affordable than custom guards (often around $30 or so). Boil-and-bite guards offer a better fit than stock guards if molded correctly. However, they still vary in protection level. A proper “boil and bite” procedure is important to ensure a snug fit; if done wrong, they can be loose or impinge on braces. Dental professionals sometimes help adjust these, but they are usually self-fitted at home.
Custom-Fit (Pressure-Laminated) Guards: These are crafted by a dentist using an impression of your teeth, ensuring a precise, comfortable fit. Custom guards (the kind provided by Arlington Dental) often use pressure lamination techniques to build a durable guard that conforms exactly to your bite. Because of the perfect fit and high-quality materials, custom guards are the most effective at absorbing impact. They sit securely without needing the mouth to be clenched, which means easier breathing and talking. Although they cost more upfront ($100–$300 on average), their superior protection makes them a smart investment for serious athletes. Insurance often covers part of a custom guard’s cost, especially for children (see FAQ below).
At Arlington Dental and other local practices, we specialize in custom sports guards. This image shows a dentist’s gloved hand presenting a custom-made mouthguard. Custom guards are tailored by professionals in a dental lab from a model of your mouth. The result is a thin, strong mouth guard that you barely notice when worn. Even if you have braces or other orthodontics, a custom guard can be made to fit over wires and brackets comfortably while still offering excellent protection. With a custom guard, athletes in Arlington have the confidence that their mouth gear is exactly suited to them, providing the best safety and comfort on the field. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), athletic mouthguards are a critical component of preventive dental care, significantly reducing the risk of oral injuries during sports and recreational activities.
Over-the-counter guards are okay for very light activity or adult athletes trying to save money, but for regular sports play, dentists and researchers generally recommend against relying on them. A poor-fitting guard might not stay in place during a collision, which defeats its purpose. In contrast, custom-fitted mouth guards are praised for being strong, lightweight, and comfortable. The ADA notes that custom guards “provide an optimal fit” and are considered by many to be the most protective option. In practice, this means you’ll actually want to wear it and get full coverage – ultimately giving your teeth the best defense.
Studies back this up. In sports settings, players wearing properly fitted custom guards saw significantly fewer dental injuries. For example, college athletes with custom guards experienced far fewer broken or lost teeth compared to those who wore generic guards or none. In short, while any mouth guard is better than none, spending a bit more on a custom guard at an Arlington dentist (or through an approved provider) greatly lowers your injury risk.
If you’re an Arlington athlete (or parent of one), getting a custom sports mouth guard is easy. Arlington Dental (at 43 Broadway, Arlington, MA) and other local dentists offer sports mouth guard fittings as part of routine preventive care. During an appointment, the dentist will take digital or physical impressions of your teeth. These impressions are sent to a dental lab where the custom guard is made using pressure or vacuum lamination techniques. In a few days or weeks, you’ll receive a custom mouth guard tailored to your mouth. A brief fitting appointment ensures it’s comfortable and secure.
Local Arlington dental clinics use high-quality materials that meet ADA standards. Dentists can discuss features like thickness, colour, or any athletic team logos you might want on the guard. Because Arlington Dental and similar practices make these daily, they know exactly how to optimize fit and comfort. Having a dentist fit the mouth guard also means it’s checked for any bite issues or adjustments needed to not interfere with braces or other dental work. In short, Arlington, MA athletes have convenient access to top-notch custom mouth guards right in their community.
A sports mouth guard can last a long time if treated well. Custom guards often remain serviceable for 1–3 years, though growing children or very active adults may need replacements sooner. It’s important to inspect the guard regularly for tears, holes, or distortion; a damaged guard should be replaced, as it won’t protect properly.
Cleaning is simple. After every use, rinse the mouth guard under cool running water and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap (avoid toothpaste, which can be abrasive). Once a week, soak the guard in denture cleaner or mouthguard cleaning solution to eliminate bacteria and odors. Always store it dry in a ventilated case (not a sealed container) to let it air out. Never soak it in hot water or leave it in a hot car, as heat will warp the guard.
By keeping your mouth guard clean and checking it for wear, you’ll ensure it continues to fit properly and protect your teeth. When it’s time for a new one – often every season for children or every few years for adults – Arlington Dental can quickly provide a replacement.
Wearing a custom sports mouth guard is one of the simplest and most effective ways for Arlington athletes (kids and adults alike) to prevent dental injuries. With professional fitting and proper care, a mouth guard provides maximum comfort and protection during play. For patients of Arlington Dental and nearby practices, getting a custom guard is fast, affordable (insurance often helps cover it), and tailored to your mouth. Play safely and keep smiling!
Q: Why should I wear a sports mouth guard?
A: A sports mouth guard absorbs shocks and prevents your teeth from hitting together. It protects against chips, fractures, knocked-out teeth, and soft tissue injuries when you collide or fall. Studies show athletes wearing mouth guards have significantly fewer dental injuries than those without. Wearing one can save you from pain and expensive dental work later.
Q: What sports require a mouth guard?
A: Mouth guards are recommended for any sport with risk of falls or impacts. This includes obvious contact sports like football, hockey, rugby, and boxing, as well as basketball, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, field hockey, and even gymnastics or skateboarding. The ADA and local dentists advise wearing a guard in these activities to reduce dental trauma.
Q: Are custom mouth guards better than store-bought ones?
A: Yes. Custom mouth guards are made from your own dental impressions so they fit perfectly. They stay in place securely, are comfortable to wear, and distribute impact forces more effectively. Store-bought “boil-and-bite” or “stock” guards can be bulky or loose; according to dental standards, stock guards are the least effective type due to poor fit. Many athletes and dentists agree a custom-fitted guard offers the best protection.
Q: How do I know if my mouth guard fits properly?
A: It should feel snug but not painful. When you bite down, your upper teeth should contact the guard evenly, and you should be able to breathe and talk relatively normally. There should be no sharp edges on your gums, and the guard should stay in place without you needing to bite hard. If it feels loose or causes discomfort, ask your dentist to adjust it or get a new one.
Q: Can I wear a mouth guard if I have braces?
A: Absolutely – and it’s highly recommended. The orthodontic appliances make your teeth more vulnerable, so a custom sports guard is best. Dentists can design guards that fit over braces and wires comfortably, protecting both your braces and teeth from impact. Regular over-the-counter guards often don’t accommodate braces well, so talk to an orthodontic dentist in Arlington for a custom solution.
Q: How often should I replace my sports mouth guard?
A: Custom mouth guards typically last 1–3 years with normal use. However, children and teens often need a new one every season as their teeth and jaw grow. Inspect your guard regularly: if you see holes, tears, or persistent distortion, it’s time for a replacement. Keeping up with replacement ensures you always have effective protection.
Q: How do I clean and store my sports mouth guard?
A: Rinse it under cold water after each use to remove saliva. Gently brush it with a toothbrush and mild soap (or denture cleaner) weekly to remove buildup. Avoid hot water or leaving it in direct sun, as that can warp the plastic. Store the guard in a hard ventilated case (not your sports bag pocket) when not wearing it to keep it dry and protected from bacteria.
Q: How much does a custom sports mouth guard cost in Arlington, MA?
A: A custom mouth guard from a dentist typically costs $100–$300, depending on materials and features. Store-bought guards are much cheaper ($10–$50) but offer far less protection. Note that many dental insurance plans in Massachusetts cover part or all of a custom guard’s cost, especially for children or athletes.
Q: Where can I get a custom sports mouth guard in Arlington?
A: Arlington Dental (and other local dental offices) provide custom sports mouth guard fittings. Call us at (781) 648-0279 to book an appointment. We will take precise impressions and fabricate a pressure-laminated guard in our lab. Unlike mail-order guards, your dentist sees exactly how it fits and can make any needed tweaks. Getting a guard near you means personalized service and quick support for adjustments.
Q: Do mouth guards help prevent concussions?
A: The evidence is mixed. Research (e.g. college basketball studies) found that while custom mouth guards greatly reduce dental injuries, they did not significantly affect concussion rates. In other words, a mouth guard should be worn primarily for dental protection. Some theories suggest mouth guards might cushion jaw movement in a way that could lessen brain impact, but this benefit is not well-proven. Still, given how well they protect teeth, mouth guards remain essential gear for contact sports.
What materials are sports mouth guards made of?
Athletic mouth guards are usually made of soft, FDA-approved thermoplastics like ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or similar copolymers. Custom guards often use layered EVA for comfort and durability. These materials are resilient, odorless, and safe for use in the mouth.
Can sports mouth guards prevent chipped teeth?
Yes. By covering the teeth and creating a cushion, a mouth guard absorbs shock that would otherwise chip or crack your teeth. Proper use of a mouth guard has been linked to significantly fewer broken or lost teeth in athletes.
Do I need a mouth guard if I only play non-contact sports?
While contact sports have the highest risk, non-contact or limited-contact sports can still involve falls or fast-moving balls/objects. The ADA recommends mouth guards even for activities like gymnastics, cycling, or skateboarding. Use your judgment: if there’s any chance of impact or fall, wearing a mouth guard is a smart precaution.
How do custom and boil-and-bite mouth guards differ?
A custom mouth guard is made by a dental lab from your dental impressions, giving it an exact fit. A boil-and-bite guard is self-fitted at home by softening it in hot water and biting into it. Custom guards fit better and are more protective, while boil-and-bite guards can vary in fit and comfort.
Will a mouth guard affect my speech or breathing?
A well-fitted custom mouth guard should have minimal impact on speech or breathing. Because it’s thin and tailored to your mouth, you can talk relatively normally and breathe through it. Stock or poorly fitted guards may feel bulky and make speech or breathing slightly more difficult.
Can adults benefit from sports mouth guards too?
Absolutely. Mouth guards are for everyone who plays sports, not just kids. Adult recreational players in Arlington (e.g. baseball leagues, boxing classes, hockey teams) should wear them. Dental injuries in adults can be as devastating as in children – the principle of protection applies at any age.
Are there mouth guards designed for specific sports?
Yes, some custom guards are tailored for particular sports or positions. For example, MMA fighters’ guards might focus on breathability, while football guards emphasize durability. When getting a custom guard, mention your sport; dentists can adjust thickness and design accordingly. The Olympic-ring mouth guard shown above, for instance, is an example of an athletic guard made with high-end materials for competitive use.
Is a mouth guard the same as a night guard?
No. A sports mouth guard is thicker and designed to absorb blows during sports. A night guard (for teeth grinding) is thinner and intended for stationary use while sleeping. They serve different purposes. Do not use a night guard for sports; use the proper sports mouth guard for athletic activities.
What is the best way to buy a mouth guard in Arlington?
The safest route is through your dentist. Schedule an appointment at Arlington Dental or a nearby clinic and request a custom-fitted sports mouth guard. Buying an OTC guard online or at a store is an option in a pinch, but for long-term safety and fit, a dentist-fitted guard is best.
Will insurance cover my sports mouth guard?
Many dental insurance plans in Massachusetts cover part or all of a custom sports mouth guard, especially for children or for braces protection. You should check with your insurance provider. Arlington Dental’s billing staff can also help verify coverage so you can maximize any benefits toward your mouth guard.
For athletes of all ages in Arlington, MA, a custom sports mouth guard is more than just a piece of equipment — it’s essential protection for your smile. Whether you’re gearing up for a high school football game, a local lacrosse match, or a weekend bike ride, the risk of dental injury is real. Investing in a properly fitted mouth guard helps prevent chipped teeth, cuts, jaw injuries, and costly dental procedures. With local dental practices like Arlington Dental offering convenient fittings and expert advice, there’s no reason to play without one. Protect your teeth, play with confidence, and keep your smile safe — because prevention is always better than treatment. Experience expert dental treatment in Arlington MA Arlington Dental, 43 Broadway, Arlington, MA 02474. (781) 641-0500.
