Top Advantages Of Wearing A Mouthguard When Playing Sports

According to a study conducted by O’Malley et al, up to one-third of all dental injuries are caused by sports activities. Contact sports like football, basketball, and hockey increase the risk of traumatic dental injuries.

The American Dental Association recommends wearing a properly fitted mouthguard to reduce the occurrence and severity of dental injuries while playing sports.

Dr. Raymond Hsu at Wellness Centered Dentistry in Redmond, Washington, offers custom-made mouthguards that better fit and protect your teeth when playing sports. Keep reading to learn more about this dental appliance.

What Is a Mouthguard?

Mouthguards are dental appliances that cover your teeth and protect them, as well as your tongue and gums, from trauma caused by teeth-grinding or contact injuries while playing sports.

Types of Mouthguards

Custom-Made: After taking an impression of your teeth, your dentist designs a custom-made mouthguard that fits comfortably and provides the best fit and protection.
Mouth-Formed (Boil-And-Bite): Available at sporting goods stores and designed to be fitted at home.
Stock/Ready-Made: Most commonly available and least expensive, but also considered the least effective due to their generic design and improper fit.

Look for the ADA seal of acceptance when buying a mouthguard.

The Ideal Mouthguard

According to the ADA’s Council of Scientific Affairs and Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention, an ideal mouthguard should:

Be properly fitted
Be made from a strong material
Stay in place comfortably and securely
Be easy to clean
Have high-impact energy absorption

Advantages of Wearing a Mouthguard

A study by Mariana et al concluded that the overall prevalence of dental injuries among collective contact sports participants was nearly 30%. A 2019 study revealed that mouthguard users are between 82% to 93% less likely to suffer from dental injuries compared to those who do not wear mouthguards.

Mouthguards can protect you by:

Preventing dentofacial injuries
Reducing concussions
Protecting you from hard and soft tissue injuries to the gums, teeth, and cheeks
Preventing more serious injuries like jaw fractures, neck injuries, cerebral hemorrhages, etc.
The ADA recommends wearing a mouthguard for all contact sports/recreational activities like basketball, lacrosse, boxing, martial arts, football, or hockey.

Wearing a mouthguard significantly reduces the risk of traumatic dental and oro-facial injuries. For more information, contact our experts at Wellness Centered Dentistry at (425) 882-1354. You can also visit us at 16150 NE 85th St # 115, Redmond, Washington 98052.

Susan Butler

Dr Amar, hygienist Pouya and all the Redmond Wellness Dentistry staff provide quality care and concern for their patients. Thank you all for putting great value into each dental appointment.

Victor Carrillo

All of the staff are very professional and friendly. I highly recommend Isabella Amar. I was given recommendations I’ve never heard any where else. Highly recommended if you are in need of any dental procedures.

Gabriela Trusty

I had such a great experience at Redmond Wellness Dentistry. From the moment I walked in, the clinic felt so clean and welcoming. The staff were all very warm, kind, and professional. They took the time to explain everything in great detail and were very patient, which made me feel comfortable and well taken care of. Doctor Neil was excellent, he explained my teeth condition very clearly and helped me understand my dental health much better. I really appreciated how informative and thorough he was. Pouya, who cleaned my teeth, did an amazing job as well. My teeth felt incredibly clean afterward, and he was very gentle and detailed. Courtney at the front desk was also the best. so friendly, helpful, and welcoming. I’m very happy with the service here and would highly recommend Redmond Wellness Dentistry to anyone looking for a caring and professional dental team.

Peter Cozzi

Very professional and efficient and relaxed. Listened to my requirements and were understanding. I liked the vibe. in the office so much I signed on for some crown work…way. to go team.!!

Lior Yeffet

Such a great energy in this office. The team works together with care, joy, and real teamwork—you can feel it the moment you walk in. With the new management led by Dr. Amar, this has become a wonderful place to take care of your teeth. You always leave with a smile—in more ways than one.

Abbe Neal

Great experience. Great communication!

Sophie Ke

We recently moved to Redmond and we are glad we found this dental office. Dr. Amar and the entire team is patient, knowledgeable, welcoming, and friendly. Our 4 year old also loves it here 🥰 They are also open on Saturdays, which is super convenient. Highly recommend!

Jennie Richey

I’ve been a patient here for over 30 years and continue to be so impressed. The new ownership is wonderful, staff are competent and kind, and their knowledge of dental insurance and billing has made my services for myself and my family more affordable. So grateful for Redmond Wellness Dentistry. Keep up the great work and service to our community!

Sara Marien

I recently started coming to Redmond Wellness Dentistry and have really been pleased with my decision. The entire team is welcoming and professional, and I especially want to highlight Dr. Amar, Sarah, and Courtney—they made me feel comfortable, listened to my concerns, and took the time to explain everything clearly. The quality of the dental work is excellent, and I never felt rushed out. What really stood out to me was the transparent pricing and the open discussion around treatment plans. I appreciated knowing my options, costs, and next steps upfront, which made it easy to make informed decisions about my care. Highly recommend this office if you’re looking for a friendly team, honest communication, and high-quality dental work!