Mouthguards In Lakeland, FL

Sports-related dental injuries are among the most preventable traumatic injuries in dentistry, and a properly fitted mouthguard is the most reliable way to protect the teeth, gums, lips, and jaw during athletic activity. Chipped teeth, knocked-out teeth, fractured jaws, and soft tissue lacerations are common outcomes of unprotected impacts during sports — and most of them require significant time and expense to repair.

At Family Dentistry of Lakeland, we fabricate custom-fitted athletic mouthguards as part of our preventive care services for patients throughout Lakeland, FL and Polk County. A 2024 position statement published in the National Library of Medicine confirmed that custom-made sports mouthguards are recognized as the most effective means of preventing sports-related dental injuries, providing both protection and comfort without impairing athletic performance. Store-bought options simply cannot match the fit, retention, or protective quality of a guard made from impressions of the patient’s actual teeth.

Custom vs. Over-the-Counter Mouthguards

Boil-and-bite and stock mouthguards are widely available and inexpensive, but their fit is inherently limited. A guard that does not fit closely to the teeth and gums tends to shift during activity, interferes with breathing and communication, and provides substantially less protection against the forces of a direct impact. Many athletes end up not wearing them consistently because they are uncomfortable.

A custom mouthguard is fabricated from an impression of the patient’s upper arch, creating a device that fits snugly over the exact contours of their teeth and gums. The result stays in place during activity, allows for normal breathing and speech, and absorbs and distributes impact forces far more effectively than a one-size-fits-all alternative.

Who Needs a Mouthguard?

The American Dental Association recommends mouthguard use for a wide range of sports, including contact sports like football, rugby, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, and martial arts, as well as non-contact sports like gymnastics, cycling, and skateboarding where falls and collisions can still cause dental injuries. Youth athletes are at particularly high risk for dental trauma given the prevalence of sports participation and the significance of protecting developing permanent teeth.

Adults who participate in recreational leagues, fitness sports, or any activity where there is a meaningful risk of impact to the face benefit from the same protection. If you are unsure whether your sport warrants a mouthguard, our team can help you assess the risk and decide on the right level of protection.

Mouthguards for Patients With Orthodontic Appliances

Patients with braces require a specially designed mouthguard that accommodates the brackets and wires without causing additional injury if the guard is compressed during impact. Our team fabricates guards appropriate for patients in active orthodontic treatment. If you also wear a retainer after completing treatment, a separate sports guard is still recommended for athletic activity. Patients who grind their teeth at night may also want to discuss a separate occlusal guard for nighttime protection.