Fall sports season in Columbus brings football under the Friday night lights, soccer on weekend mornings, and volleyball, basketball, and wrestling practices that run well into the evening. Along with helmets and shin guards, there is one piece of equipment every athlete should have: a properly fitted mouthguard. At Olive Branch Dental Columbus, we help families protect their athletes’ smiles with custom sports mouthguards and practical advice on preventing dental injuries.

Why Mouthguards Matter

A single hit from a ball, elbow, stick, or the ground can chip, crack, loosen, or knock out a tooth. Dental injuries are among the most common injuries in contact and non-contact sports alike. Treating a broken or lost tooth can involve bonding, crowns, root canal therapy, or even a dental implant later in life. A mouthguard cushions the blow and spreads the force across the teeth and jaw, greatly reducing the chance of serious damage.

Mouthguards also protect the soft tissues of the mouth. They help prevent cut lips, cheeks, and tongues, and they can be especially important for kids who wear braces, where brackets can cut the inside of the mouth during impact.

Which Sports Need a Mouthguard?

Football, hockey, and lacrosse are obvious choices, but dentists recommend mouthguards for many more activities, including:

• Basketball and volleyball, where elbows and falls are common
• Soccer, especially for goalkeepers and players who head the ball
• Wrestling, martial arts, and boxing
• Baseball and softball, particularly for infielders and batters
• Skateboarding, BMX, and mountain biking
• Gymnastics and cheerleading

Types of Mouthguards

Stock mouthguards come pre-formed and ready to wear. They are inexpensive, but they often fit loosely, make it hard to talk or breathe, and offer the least protection.

Boil-and-bite mouthguards are softened in hot water and molded by biting down. They fit better than stock guards, but the fit can be uneven, and athletes often chew through them over a season.

Custom mouthguards are made from an impression or scan of your athlete’s teeth. Because they are shaped exactly to the mouth, they stay in place, feel more comfortable, and make it easier to breathe and talk with teammates. Athletes are more likely to actually wear a guard that feels good, which is what makes protection work.

How We Make a Custom Mouthguard

The process is simple. During a short visit, we examine the teeth, take an impression, and choose a thickness appropriate for the sport. Your athlete returns to pick up the finished guard, and we check the fit to make sure it seats comfortably. Growing children may need a new guard as permanent teeth come in, so we recheck the fit at regular checkups.

Caring for a Mouthguard

• Rinse it with cool water before and after each use.
• Brush it gently with a toothbrush and mild soap; avoid hot water, which can warp the shape.
• Store it in a ventilated case and keep it out of hot cars.
• Replace it if it becomes torn, loose, or chewed.
• Bring it to dental checkups so we can inspect it.

What to Do If a Tooth Is Injured

If a permanent tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently without scrubbing, and try to place it back in the socket. If that is not possible, keep it in milk and call us right away. Time matters, and the best results come when the tooth is treated within an hour. For chipped or loose teeth, call our office for an emergency dental visit.

Protect Your Athlete This Season

A custom mouthguard costs far less than repairing a broken tooth. Call Olive Branch Dental Columbus at (812) 516-5777 to schedule a mouthguard fitting at 2459 W Jonathan Moore Pike, Columbus, IN 47201.