Having two school-age children, Dr. Graves has seen athletic mouthguards grow in popularity in youth sports. While there are do-it-yourself versions available, these provide little to no real protection against injury. 


Depending on the sport, and the amount of risk involved, a custom mouthguard may be the safer, and more comfortable solution.  Dr. Graves will work with your family to determine if a custom mouthguard should be considered. 


If you participate in any of the following activities, the External link opens in new tab or windowAmerican Dental AssociationExternal link opens in new tab or window (ADA) and the External link opens in new tab or windowAcademy for Sports Dentistry recommend that you wear a properly fitted mouthguard:


  • Acrobatics
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Bicycling
  • Boxing
  • Equestrian events
  • Extreme sports
  • Field hockey
  • Football
  • Gymnastics
  • Handball
  • Ice hockey
  • Inline skating
  • Lacrosse
  • Martial arts
  • Racquetball
  • Rugby
  • Shotputting
  • Skateboarding
  • Skiing
  • Skydiving
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Squash
  • Surfing
  • Volleyball
  • Water polo
  • Weightlifting
  • Wrestling

According to the American Dental Association, the most effective mouthguard should be comfortable, resistant to tearing, and resilient. A mouthguard should fit properly, be durable, easily cleaned, and not restrict speech or breathing.


Remember, damaged teeth do not grow back. Protect your smile - wear a mouthguard.