Whether you play hockey, basketball, or soccer in a Toronto league, sports injuries to the mouth and teeth are common. A single collision, fall, or elbow can lead to chipped teeth, knocked-out teeth, jaw injuries, and damage to the dental crowns or braces. Custom sports mouthguards that Toronto dentists provide are one of the most effective ways to prevent these injuries.
Unlike mouthguards that you buy from stores, custom sports mouthguards are made from precise dental impressions and designed to fit your teeth comfortably and securely. They stay in place during play, allow easier breathing and speaking, and provide significantly better protection against impact.
This article explains how custom sports mouthguards protect your teeth, who should wear them, what makes them better than over-the-counter options, and how athletes in Toronto leagues can stay safer throughout the season.
Why Mouthguard Protection Matters in Toronto Sports Leagues
Toronto athletes of all ages participate in contact and collision sports year-round, from youth hockey to adult soccer and basketball leagues. These sports involve frequent physical contact, falls, and fast movement, which increase the risk of dental trauma. Properly fitted mouthguards significantly reduce the risk of broken teeth, jaw fractures, and soft tissue injuries.
Dental injuries from sports can affect more than just the visible part of the tooth. Even when a tooth does not appear broken, the nerve or root may be damaged, leading to pain, infection, or tooth loss later. If a sports injury leads to tooth loss, explore your options for replacing a missing tooth to restore function and protect your long-term oral health.
These injuries can require emergency treatment, long-term restorative care, and time away from sports. Wearing a custom sports mouthguard significantly lowers these risks while supporting safe athletic participation.
Custom Sports Mouthguards vs Over-the-Counter Options
Not all mouthguards offer the same level of protection. Mouthguards that you buy from stores, including stock and boil-and-bite types, are widely available but often fit poorly. Many athletes find they fall out during play, feel bulky, or find breathing and speaking difficult. As a result, they are often worn inconsistently or removed altogether.
Custom sports mouthguards are made specifically for your teeth using professional dental impressions or digital scans. This allows them to fit closely, stay securely in place, and absorb impact more effectively.
| Type | Protection | Fit | Comfort | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock mouthguards | Low | Poor | Poor | Low |
| Boil-and-bite | Moderate | Inconsistent | Moderate | Moderate |
| Custom sports mouthguards | High | Precise | Excellent | High |
According to the Canadian Dental Association, custom sports mouthguards fabricated by a dental professional provide superior shock absorption, stability, and retention. For athletes with braces, crowns, dental veneers, or dental implants, custom sports mouthguards are especially important because poorly fitted guards can cause damage or fail to protect restorations properly.
What Makes Custom Mouthguards the Best Choice
Custom sports mouthguards offer superior protection because they are designed to distribute impact forces evenly across the teeth and jaw. This reduces the risk of fractures, soft tissue injuries, and jaw trauma during collisions or falls. Custom sports mouthguards are made from professional-grade materials and molded directly from your dental impressions, offering:
- Precise fit that stays in place during play
- Improved breathing and speech
- Greater comfort, increasing compliance
- Superior protection against tooth fractures and jaw injuries
- Reduced risk of soft-tissue damage
- Better durability compared to store-bought options
For Toronto athletes competing regularly or in contact sports, custom mouthguards represent the highest standard of dental protection. For long-term protection beyond sports, learn about the top reasons for routine check-ups to keep your teeth healthy year-round.
How Custom Sports Mouthguards Are Made
At Woodbridge Smile Centre, custom sports mouthguards are created through a clinically approved process focused on safety, comfort, and protection. The dentist begins with an oral examination to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy before fabrication. Dental impressions or digital scans are then taken to capture the exact shape of your teeth and bite.
These impressions are sent to a professional dental laboratory, where your mouthguard is fabricated using shock-absorbing materials designed for athletic use. At your fitting appointment, your dentist checks comfort, retention, and stability, making adjustments as needed so the mouthguard stays securely in place while allowing normal breathing and speech.
This article is reviewed by Dr. Aryan Rezaeifar, DDS, a certified member of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario at Woodbridge Smile Centre. With over 10 years of dental experience in Canada and abroad and advanced training in prosthodontics and restorative dentistry from the Schulich School of Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Dr. Aryan provides custom athletic mouthguards for children, teens, and adults participating in Toronto-area sports leagues.
Mouthguard Care, Replacement, and Toronto Athlete Guidelines
Proper care extends the lifespan of your mouthguard and ensures it continues to protect effectively throughout the season:
- Rinse after each use with cold water
- Clean regularly with mild soap or cleanser
- Store in a ventilated protective case
- Avoid heat exposure (hot water, car dashboards)
Replace your mouthguard when:
- It shows signs of wear, thinning, or distortion
- Your teeth shift (orthodontic treatment, growth in youth athletes)
- It no longer fits comfortably or securely
Most athletes benefit from replacement every 1–2 seasons, depending on sport intensity and growth changes. Children and teens often need replacements more frequently because growing teeth and jaws change the fit over time. Maintaining a strong dental hygiene routine also helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and infections that can weaken teeth and increase the risk of injury during sports.
If a sports impact causes a restoration to fail, such as a dental crown coming loose, it’s important to know what steps to take to protect your tooth and prevent further damage. Read “what you should do if your dental crown falls off” for immediate care tips and dental crown alternatives to find the best restorative option that meets your dental needs.
Emergency dental care for sports injuries
If a sports injury causes a knocked-out tooth, broken tooth, facial swelling, bleeding, or severe pain, emergency dental care is required. Prompt treatment improves outcomes and can prevent permanent damage.
Woodbridge Smile Centre proudly serves athletes across Woodbridge & Vaughan. Our team provides custom sports mouthguards for children, teens, and adults participating in recreational and competitive sports. We also offer same-day emergency consultations for dental trauma and urgent sports-related injuries.
Our clinic is conveniently located, and emergency appointments are prioritized for patients experiencing severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or dental trauma. Outside of clinic hours, patients should visit the nearest hospital emergency department if pain, bleeding, or facial swelling is severe.
Protect Your Smile Before the Next Game!
Woodbridge Smile Centre provides professionally fitted custom mouthguards for athletes of all ages. Book your consultation today to protect your teeth, reduce injury risk, and play with confidence throughout the season.
Take charge of your smile with custom sports mouthguards in Toronto
Custom sports mouthguards are a simple yet highly effective way to protect your teeth and gums during athletic activities. They provide a precise fit, superior comfort, and reliable protection against dental injuries, helping you play confidently and stay safe on the field, rink, or court. Wearing a professionally fitted mouthguard reduces the risk of broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, and soft tissue injuries, giving you peace of mind while enjoying your favorite sports.
Along with custom sports mouthguards, Woodbridge Smile Centre offers a full range of dental services, including emergency care, routine checkups, dental veneers, teeth whitening, and Invisalign, all in Woodbridge and Vaughan. Schedule your appointment today and let our experienced team create a personalized plan to protect your smile and maintain your long-term oral health.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace dental examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients experiencing severe pain, bleeding, facial swelling, knocked-out teeth, or trauma receive priority scheduling at Woodbridge Smile Centre. After hours, patients should seek care at their nearest hospital emergency department.
FAQ
What should I do if a tooth is knocked out during a game?
Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root. Rinse gently if dirty, place it in milk or saliva, and seek emergency dental care immediately. Treatment within 30 to 60 minutes offers the best chance of saving the tooth.
Are custom mouthguards worth the cost?
Yes. Clinical evidence shows that custom mouthguards provide better protection, comfort, and durability than store-bought options and help reduce the risk of costly dental injuries.
Can children and teens wear custom sports mouthguards?
Yes. Custom mouthguards are highly recommended for youth athletes, especially those with braces or mixed dentition, as they provide better protection during growth and development.
How long does it take to get a custom mouthguard?
Most patients receive their custom mouthguard within one to two dental appointments, depending on laboratory turnaround time.
Does dental insurance cover mouthguards?
Some insurance plans offer partial coverage, particularly for children. Our team can help review your benefits before fabrication.
Do you have questions about sports mouthguards, dental injuries, or protecting your child’s teeth during sports?
Leave a comment below, and our dental team will be happy to help.
