Summer Sports + Mouthguards: A Winning Combo
July 17, 2025Summer brings out the best in outdoor fun—soccer games, baseball tournaments, and long afternoons spent at the skatepark or basketball court. While the focus is usually on performance and play, there’s another key piece of equipment every athlete should pack: a mouthguard.
Whether you’re ten or forty, contact and even non-contact sports can put your teeth at risk. One misstep, one elbow, one bad bounce—and a smile can change fast. A mouthguard may not be flashy, but it’s one of the most effective ways to protect your teeth.
What Sports Really Need Mouthguards?
More than you might think. Football, boxing, and hockey are the obvious ones. But basketball, soccer, wrestling, baseball, skateboarding, and mountain biking also carry a high risk of dental injury.
Even sports without heavy contact can involve sudden falls, collisions, or flying objects. A properly fitted mouthguard helps cushion the impact, keeping your teeth—and jaw—safer.
Not All Mouthguards Are Created Equal
You can find boil-and-bite mouthguards at nearly every sporting goods store. They’re better than nothing, but they often fit poorly and wear out quickly. If it’s uncomfortable, your athlete may “forget” to wear it.
Custom mouthguards, made by a dentist, offer a more secure fit. They’re less bulky, easier to breathe through, and more likely to stay in during real action. That means better protection—and fewer excuses not to wear it.
Avoiding Dental Injuries is a Team Effort
The best dental injury is the one that never happens. Knocked-out teeth, fractured enamel, and soft tissue cuts are all common summer sports injuries—and many are preventable. A well-fitting mouthguard doesn’t just protect the teeth; it can reduce the risk of jaw fractures and concussions too.
Plus, it’s a whole lot cheaper than emergency dental work.
Get Game-Ready at ADC Dental Group in Joplin, MO
At ADC Dental Group in Joplin, MO, Dr. John C. Durling offers custom-fitted mouthguards designed for athletes of all ages. Whether you’re gearing up for a season or a single event, the right gear makes all the difference.
Want to protect that smile before the first whistle blows? Call today to schedule a fitting. It’s one small step that helps keep summer fun on the field—not in the dental chair.
Categorised in: Dental Tips, Mouthguards