Sports Mouthguard — Protect Your Teeth from Injury

Sports injuries are a common cause of broken, chipped, or knocked-out teeth. A mouthguard is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect teeth and jaws during physical activity. Whether you play cricket, football, kabaddi, or any contact sport, a mouthguard should be part of your gear. The American Dental Association reports that over 200,000 oral injuries are prevented annually by mouthguards.

Studies show that athletes who do not wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries than those who do. Despite this, many players in Bhubaneswar and across India still do not use mouthguards. In Odisha, where cricket and football are hugely popular among school and college students, the lack of mouthguard awareness leads to preventable dental emergencies every sports season.

At YourDentist Laser Dental Clinic in Bhubaneswar, Dr. Arpita Dash provides custom sports mouthguards for athletes of all ages. Whether you are a school cricketer, a college footballer, or a weekend warrior, a properly fitted mouthguard is essential.

What is a sports mouthguard?

A sports mouthguard is a removable device worn over the upper teeth. It absorbs impact and protects teeth, lips, tongue, and jaw from injury.

Who should wear a mouthguard?

Mouthguards are recommended for:

• Contact sports like cricket, football, kabaddi, boxing, and hockey
• Sports with risk of falls or collisions like cycling and skateboarding
• Children and adults who play competitive sports
• People with braces who play sports
• Anyone participating in high-impact activities

Types of mouthguards

Type	Description	Cost range (INR)	Protection
Stock mouthguard	Pre-formed, ready to wear	₹200 - ₹1,000	Low
Boil-and-bite	Softened in hot water, then bitten into	₹500 - ₹2,000	Moderate
Custom mouthguard	Made from a dental impression	₹2,000 - ₹8,000	High

Why custom mouthguards are best

Custom mouthguards made by a dentist offer the best protection because they:

• Fit precisely to your teeth
• Stay in place during activity
• Are more comfortable
• Allow normal breathing and speaking
• Provide better shock absorption
• Last longer than store-bought options

The custom mouthguard process

Step 1: Impression

Dr. Dash takes an impression of your upper teeth.

Step 2: Fabrication

The mouthguard is made in a dental lab from durable, shock-absorbing material.

Step 3: Fitting

You return for a fitting to make sure the mouthguard is comfortable and secure.

Step 4: Care instructions

Dr. Dash explains how to clean and store your mouthguard.

Caring for your mouthguard

• Rinse before and after use
• Clean with mild soap and cool water
• Store in a ventilated case
• Keep away from direct heat and sunlight
• Replace when it shows signs of wear
• Bring it to dental checkups for inspection

Common dental sports injuries

• Chipped or broken teeth
• Knocked-out teeth
• Lip and cheek cuts
• Jaw fractures
• Concussions (mouthguards may reduce risk)
• Damage to braces and orthodontic appliances
• Root fractures
• Tooth intrusion (tooth pushed into the jaw)

Sports with the highest dental injury risk

Sport	Risk level	Mouthguard recommended?
Boxing	Very high	Essential
Kabaddi	High	Yes
Cricket	High	Yes
Football	High	Yes
Hockey	High	Yes
Cycling	Moderate	Yes
Skateboarding	Moderate	Yes
Basketball	Moderate	Yes
Swimming	Low	Optional

What to do if a tooth is knocked out during sports

1. Find the tooth and hold it by the crown, not the root.
2. Rinse gently with milk or saline if dirty. Do not scrub.
3. If possible, place the tooth back in the socket.
4. If not, keep it in milk, saliva, or a tooth preservation kit.
5. Get to a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes.

Important tips for knocked-out teeth

• Do not touch the root of the tooth
• Do not clean the tooth with soap or chemicals
• Do not let the tooth dry out
• Do not wrap it in tissue or cloth
• Time is critical — every minute counts

Mouthguard for people with braces

Athletes with braces should wear a mouthguard to protect both teeth and brackets. Custom mouthguards can be made to fit over braces.

A blow to the face during sports can cause brackets to cut the inside of the cheeks and lips. A mouthguard creates a protective barrier between the braces and soft tissues.

For athletes with braces, Dr. Dash recommends specially designed orthodontic mouthguards that fit over brackets and wires.

Cost of dental sports injuries vs mouthguard cost

Injury type	Treatment cost (INR)	Mouthguard cost (INR)	Prevention value
Chipped tooth	₹1,000 - ₹5,000 (bonding)	₹2,000 - ₹8,000	Saves pain and cost
Knocked-out tooth	₹25,000 - ₹50,000 (implant)	₹2,000 - ₹8,000	Saves ₹23,000+
Broken bracket (braces patient)	₹500 - ₹2,000 (repair)	₹2,000 - ₹8,000	Prevents lacerations
Jaw fracture	₹50,000+ (surgery)	₹2,000 - ₹8,000	Prevents hospitalisation
Multiple tooth injury	₹50,000 - ₹2,00,000	₹2,000 - ₹8,000	Saves massive cost

A custom mouthguard is one of the most cost-effective investments an athlete can make. The cost of treating a single knocked-out tooth is 10 to 25 times the cost of a mouthguard.

Mouthguard maintenance and replacement guide

Sign	What it means	Action
Cracks or tears	Material weakening	Replace immediately
Loose fit	Mouthguard stretching or teeth shifting	Get refitted
Thinning in bite area	Wear from grinding	Replace before it fails
Bad odour despite cleaning	Bacterial build-up	Replace and improve cleaning
Child has grown	Jaw and teeth changed	New impression needed
After an injury	Even if no visible damage	Have it inspected by Dr. Dash

Regular inspection ensures your mouthguard continues to provide optimal protection.

Cost of custom mouthguard in Bhubaneswar

Type	Cost range (INR)
Stock mouthguard	₹200 - ₹1,000
Boil-and-bite	₹500 - ₹2,000
Custom mouthguard	₹2,000 - ₹8,000

Why choose YourDentist for custom mouthguards

• Precise fit for maximum protection.
• Comfortable, durable materials.
• Suitable for all ages and sports.
• Braces-compatible options.
• Quick turnaround time.
• Experienced dentist, Dr. Arpita Dash.

Related dental services at YourDentist

• Dental restoration — repair chipped or broken teeth
• Dental implants — replace knocked-out teeth
• Orthodontic treatment — braces protection
• Teeth extraction — emergency tooth removal

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a mouthguard for sports? Yes, mouthguards protect your teeth, gums, and jaw during contact and high-impact sports.

What type of mouthguard is best? Custom mouthguards made by a dentist provide the best fit and protection.

How much does a custom mouthguard cost? Custom mouthguards cost ₹2,000 to ₹8,000 at YourDentist.

Can I wear a mouthguard with braces? Yes, custom mouthguards can be made to fit over braces.

How do I clean my mouthguard? Rinse after use and clean with mild soap and cool water. Store in a ventilated case.

How long does a custom mouthguard last? With proper care, a custom mouthguard lasts 1 to 2 years. Athletes who grind their teeth or play frequently may need replacement sooner.

Should children wear mouthguards? Yes, children who play sports should wear mouthguards. Dr. Dash can make custom mouthguards for children and replace them as they grow.

Can I talk with a mouthguard in? Custom mouthguards are designed to allow normal speech and breathing. Stock mouthguards may interfere with speech.

When should I replace my mouthguard? Replace your mouthguard if it shows cracks, tears, thinning, or if it no longer fits snugly. Growing children may need a new mouthguard each season.

Can I use a mouthguard for teeth grinding instead of sports? No. Sports mouthguards and nightguards for bruxism are designed differently. Sports mouthguards are thicker to absorb impact, while nightguards are designed to distribute grinding forces. Dr. Dash can provide both if needed.

Does a mouthguard affect breathing during sports? Custom mouthguards are designed to allow normal breathing and speaking. Stock mouthguards may interfere with breathing and should be avoided for competitive sports.

Are mouthguards mandatory in any sports in Bhubaneswar? While not legally mandated, many school and college sports associations in Bhubaneswar recommend mouthguards for contact sports. Dr. Dash can provide a letter recommending a mouthguard if your school requires one.

For a custom sports mouthguard in Bhubaneswar, visit YourDentist Laser Dental Clinic. Call +91 7064719630 or message us on WhatsApp.