Reduce Sports Injuries With Mouth Guards San Antonio, TX
If you are an athlete, you probably already know how rough it can get out on the field or court. A mouth guard can help prevent unnecessary oral injury. These simple devices slip over the upper teeth to protect them from the surrounding oral tissues.
Mouth guards are available at Hardy Oak Family Dentistry in San Antonio and the surrounding area. Call us today at (210) 787-1535 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
What Happens When You Go Without Mouth Guards
Many things can go wrong when not wearing a mouth guard during sports. In fact, athletes are 60 times more likely to get hurt when they leave their teeth unprotected. That is why the American Dental Association (ADA) has recommended mouth guards to all athletes since the mid-1990s.
Hard hits to the face can easily translate to lasting orofacial trauma. Mouth guards work by absorbing shock, thus protecting the teeth from the surrounding soft tissue. They may also stabilize the jaw when hit. By not wearing a mouth guard, athletes leave themselves open and vulnerable to broken or lost teeth, damage to orthodontic appliances, jaw injuries, soft tissue injuries, and more.
“…the American Dental Association (ADA) has recommended mouth guards to all athletes since the mid-1990s.”
Risks of Store-Bought Mouth Guards
Several types of mouth guards are available, today including stock (ready-made) mouth guards, mouth-formed (boil and bite) mouth guards, and custom-made mouth guards. Ideally, patients should have mouth guards made of resilient materials properly fitted to the mouth. This will maximize their high-impact energy absorption while simultaneously reducing any transmitted forces upon impact.
In other words, stock (ready-made) mouth guards or mouth-formed (boil and bite) mouth guards (also known as store-bought mouth guards) tend to be the least effective types of mouth guards. As they cannot be customized to the patient's mouth, they are more prone to slide around in the mouth. These types of mouth guards may cause discomfort and be easier to tear.
“Ideally, patients should have mouth guards made of resilient materials properly fitted to the mouth.”
Long-Term Effects of Sports Injuries to Teeth
Over a quarter of dental-related injuries happen while playing sports. An oral-facial injury rarely life-threatening, can be extremely painful and require additional attention as the athlete ages. To avoid long-term oral health problems after a sports-related tooth injury, seek treatment immediately.
Not wearing a mouthguard significantly increases the risks for serious dental injury while playing sports. Hits to the mouth can result in the loss of a tooth, or the need for a root canal to avoid infection. Missing teeth and the subsequent replacement, fractures and cracks will need special attention for the rest of an athlete's life. A custom-fitted mouthguard offers the first line of defense.
“An oral-facial injury, rarely life-threatening, can be extremely painful and require additional attention as the athlete ages.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Reduce Sports Injuries With Mouth Guards in San Antonio, TX
How Mouth Guards Are Designed
Ideally, a mouth guard should be properly fitted and customized to the patient's mouth and oral structures. It should also be made of resilient material to cover all teeth on one arch and stay in place comfortably and securely. These factors allow the mouth guard to sit comfortably and securely in the mouth, ensuring one's safety and comfort.
Custom-made mouth guards are made by having the dentist create an impression of the patient's teeth. They then trim and polish the impression, double-checking for the proper fit. Just as no two patients are the same, each mouth guard is also unique. Custom-made mouthguards can provide the most effective adaptability, fit, and efficacy when compared to other options.
“Custom-made mouth guards are made by having the dentist create an impression of the patient’s teeth.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are the long-term effects of a sports injury to the teeth?
Q. How effective are mouth guards?
Q. What are the different kinds of mouth guards?
Q. How are custom-made mouth guards made?
People Also Ask
Q. How do lifestyle choices affect dental health?
Q. How is a custom mouth guard made?
Q. What is the difference between mouth guards and night guards?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long do mouth guards last?
A. It depends on how frequently you use it. However, with proper care, a custom-made mouth guard should last several years. Store-bought ones tend to be less durable, as they are not tailored for the mouth. Remember to bring your mouth guard with you to your dental checkups for regular inspection.
Q. How can I get a mouth guard?
A. Call us today, and we will schedule you for an initial consultation. We can begin the process of creating a dental mouth guard once we determine your candidacy. You will need to first undergo a physical examination and get some impressions taken of your mouth.
Q. What are mouth guards made of?
A. The answer varies on a case-by-case basis. Many mouth guards are made of acrylic, while others are made of acetate, vinyl, or rubber. Mouth guards may also be made of a combination of two or more of the above. We combine both hard and soft elements to ensure durability and comfort.
Q. How should I clean my mouth guard?
A. It is essential to clean your mouth guard regularly. First, rinse in warm water to get rid of any plaque and debris. Then, brush the mouth guard with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Do not use toothpaste, as it may be too abrasive. Let the mouth guard air dry completely to prevent rapid bacterial growth, and always store it in a case when not in use.
Q. Can I wear a mouth guard even if I have braces?
A. Yes. We can devise special mouth guards for persons with orthodontic devices or fixed dental work. It is crucial for these patients to adequately protect the mouth, lest the teeth suffer orofacial damage leading to soft tissue injuries.
Scan here to view this page, Reduce Sports Injuries With Mouth Guards, on mobile
Family Dental Terminology
Learn More About Custom Mouthguards for Sports
A custom-fit mouthguard represents a vital piece of protective equipment for any athlete. To schedule an appointment, call us at 210-787-1535 to let Hardy Oak Family Dentistry in San Antonio for more assistance.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2026
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2026
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2026
About our business and website security
- Hardy Oak Family Dentistry was established in 2021.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Bexar County
- We serve patients from the following cities: San Antonio, Timberwood Park, Hollywood Park, Hill Country Village, and Cross Mountain
- National Provider Identifier Database (1659891398). View NPI Registry Information
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Hardy Oak Family Dentistry on mobile
Back to top of Reduce Sports Injuries With Mouth Guards
Related Posts
5 Ways To Relieve Tooth Pain Before Seeing An Emergency Dentist
Tooth pain can feel overwhelming while waiting to see an emergency dentist. That is why it is crucial to have a plan for controlling pain until one can get to a dentist. Though home remedies are not a substitute for professional care, they can help ease the pain until treatment is available.Tooth pain can result…
Should You Get Dental Implants?
Losing a tooth can be uncomfortable in many ways, and dental implants might be the solution you are looking for. When you are missing a tooth, you may not like the look of your mouth, and you may have difficulty chewing. Dentures and bridges are options for you, but if you want a permanent answer,…
How An Emergency Dentist Can Help Restore A Damaged Tooth
A damaged tooth can be uncomfortable and make eating difficult, but quick treatment can restore function and appearance. An emergency dentist is a general dentist who offers fast, effective care to address urgent dental concerns. Their goal is to protect the tooth and prevent further complications. Whether caused by an accident, infection, or another unexpected…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Hardy Oak Family Dentistry on mobile