Spring and summer in Massachusetts mean one thing: sports season.
From youth baseball and soccer to adult hockey and lacrosse, Weymouth families are back on the fields and rinks.
But here’s something most athletes overlook — their teeth need protection just as much as their knees or shoulders.
If you or your child play a contact or high-speed sport, a mouthguard isn’t optional — it’s essential.
And while the $10 boil-and-bite guards from the sporting goods store may seem convenient, they often don’t provide the real protection you need.
Here’s why custom mouthguards from your dentist are worth every penny — and why cheap ones could actually cost you more in the long run.
1. What a mouthguard really does
A mouthguard acts as a shock absorber between your teeth, jaw, and brain.
It cushions the impact when you take a hit, fall, or collision — helping prevent:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Lip or tongue injuries
- Jaw fractures
- Concussions
It distributes the force of impact so your teeth and jaw don’t take the full blow.
2. Not all mouthguards are created equal
There are three main types:
Stock mouthguards – Pre-made, one-size-fits-none.
Bulky, uncomfortable, and make breathing difficult.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards – Softened in hot water and molded by biting down.
Better than nothing, but often uneven and easy to dislodge.
Custom-fitted mouthguards – Made from a digital or physical impression of your exact teeth.
They fit perfectly, stay secure, and absorb impact far more effectively.
Custom mouthguards are the type recommended by dentists, orthodontists, and athletic trainers — for good reason.
3. Why store-bought mouthguards fall short
Those cheap versions can actually cause more harm than good:
- Poor fit: They fall out or require constant clenching.
- Restricted breathing: Bulky material limits airflow.
- Less protection: Force isn’t distributed evenly, risking more damage.
- Short lifespan: They warp or tear within months.
Meanwhile, a single cracked tooth or dental injury can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars to fix.
4. Why custom mouthguards are better
Custom guards, made right in your dentist’s office, provide:
- A precise, comfortable fit
- Full protection for teeth and jaw joints
- Easy breathing and speaking
- Better durability and longevity
Plus, they’re thinner and lighter — athletes often forget they’re even wearing them.
We even make custom guards for patients with braces, so nothing interferes with treatment.
5. Protection goes beyond broken teeth
Research shows properly fitted mouthguards can reduce concussion risk by absorbing impact energy that would otherwise travel from the jaw to the skull.
They also prevent:
- Soft tissue cuts
- Jaw dislocation
- TMJ strain
A custom guard doesn’t just save teeth — it helps protect the entire face and head.
6. Ideal for kids, teens, and adults
We recommend custom guards for:
- Kids in contact sports (soccer, lacrosse, hockey, basketball)
- Teens with braces
- Adults in recreational leagues
- Anyone who’s ever chipped a tooth or taken a hard hit
At our Weymouth, MA office, a custom mouthguard takes just one short appointment to make — and can last through multiple seasons.
7. How to care for your mouthguard
Keep it clean and safe by:
- Rinsing before and after every use
- Brushing gently with mild soap (no toothpaste)
- Storing it in a ventilated case
- Keeping it away from heat or direct sunlight
- Bringing it to your regular cleanings so we can check the fit
A well-cared-for guard can easily last a year or more.
Bottom line
You spend money on uniforms, cleats, and equipment — your teeth deserve the same level of protection.
Cheap mouthguards might look fine on the shelf, but they rarely fit, don’t last, and can’t match the protection of a custom one.
At our Weymouth, MA dental practice, we create custom guards that are comfortable, durable, and built to protect athletes of all ages.
Because when it comes to your smile, the best defense is one that truly fits.