Every fall, Tulsa fields, courts, and rinks fill up with young athletes giving it everything they have. Football is in full swing, basketball and wrestling are right around the corner, and club soccer seems to never really stop. Along with the cleats, pads, and water bottles, there is one piece of gear that often gets overlooked until something goes wrong: the mouthguard. At South Tulsa Dental, Dr. Christopher Tricinella and our team help athletes of all ages protect their smiles with custom sports mouthguards that fit well, stay in place, and actually get worn.
Why Sports Mouthguards Matter for Tulsa Athletes
Dental injuries are among the most common injuries in sports, and many of them happen in games people do not think of as contact sports. A stray elbow in basketball, a fall on the soccer field, a softball that takes a bad hop, or a tumble on a skateboard can chip a front tooth or knock it loose in a split second. The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for a long list of activities, including football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, volleyball, martial arts, and gymnastics.
A good mouthguard spreads the force of a blow across the teeth and jaw instead of letting one tooth take the full hit. It also cushions the lips, cheeks, and tongue against the teeth, which helps prevent painful cuts. For athletes with braces, a mouthguard keeps brackets from injuring the inside of the mouth during contact.
The cost of a mouthguard is small compared with the cost of repairing a broken or knocked out tooth. Treatment for a serious dental injury can involve bonding, crowns, root canal therapy, or even a dental implant later in life. Our guide to repairing a broken tooth in Tulsa walks through those options, but our goal is to help you avoid needing them in the first place.
Store Bought vs. Custom Sports Mouthguards
There are three main types of mouthguards, and they are not created equal.
- Stock mouthguards: These come ready to wear right out of the package. They are inexpensive, but they rarely fit well. Athletes often have to clench their teeth to keep them in, which makes breathing and talking harder.
- Boil and bite mouthguards: These are softened in hot water and then shaped by biting down. They fit better than stock guards, but the material is often uneven, and many athletes end up chewing through them or trimming them until they offer little protection.
- Custom mouthguards: These are made from a precise impression or scan of your teeth. The material has a consistent thickness, the edges are shaped to your mouth, and the guard snaps into place so it stays put during play.
The biggest difference is comfort. An athlete who can breathe easily, talk to teammates, and drink water with the guard in is far more likely to wear it for the whole game. A guard that sits in a gym bag protects nothing.
How We Make a Custom Mouthguard at South Tulsa Dental
Getting a custom sports mouthguard is simple and usually takes just a short visit. Dr. Tricinella first checks the teeth and gums to make sure there are no cavities, loose teeth, or other concerns that should be handled before the guard is made. From there, our team takes an accurate impression of the upper teeth, since the upper front teeth are the ones most likely to be injured.
The guard is then fabricated to match that impression. When it is ready, we check the fit, look at how it meets the lower teeth, and make any adjustments needed so it feels secure without pressing too hard anywhere. We also go over how to clean and store it so it stays in good shape all season.
Many families like to schedule a mouthguard fitting alongside a regular cleaning and exam. Our pediatric and family dentistry services make it easy to take care of checkups and sports gear for the whole household in one trip.
Mouthguards for Kids, Teens, and Adults
Children and teens are still growing, and their mouths change quickly. A guard that fit perfectly last spring may be snug or loose by fall. We generally recommend checking the fit at each dental visit and replacing a child’s mouthguard every season or whenever new teeth come in. If your child is in braces or clear aligner treatment, let us know so we can talk about the best type of guard for their stage of treatment.
Adults benefit too. Weekend basketball leagues, adult softball, pickleball, cycling, and martial arts all carry a real risk of dental injury, and adult teeth often have crowns, veneers, or other restorations worth protecting. If you are curious about how we care for younger patients in particular, our article on what to expect from a pediatric dentist in Tulsa is a helpful starting point.
Sports Mouthguards vs. Night Guards
We often hear from parents who wonder whether one guard can do double duty. Sports mouthguards and night guards are designed for different jobs. A sports guard is thicker and softer so it can absorb impact. A night guard is thinner and usually made from a firmer material that holds up to the steady pressure of grinding and clenching while you sleep.
Using a sports guard at night can be uncomfortable and may not protect against grinding well, and a night guard is not built to handle a hit on the field. If you or your child grinds at night, our post on teeth grinding and custom night guards explains the signs and how we help.
Caring for Your Mouthguard
A custom mouthguard can last a long time with a little care. Here are a few habits that help:
- Rinse the guard with cool water before and after each use.
- Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, then let it air dry.
- Store it in a ventilated case, never loose in a bag or pocket.
- Keep it out of hot cars and away from direct sun, since heat can warp the shape.
- Bring it to your dental visits so we can check the fit and look for wear.
Replace the guard if it has holes, tears, or sharp edges, or if it no longer snaps securely into place.
What to Do If a Sports Injury Happens
Even with good protection, accidents can happen. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown rather than the root, rinse it gently if it is dirty, and try to place it back in the socket. If that is not possible, keep it in a cup of milk and get to a dentist as quickly as you can. Time matters a great deal in saving a knocked out tooth.
For chipped, cracked, or loosened teeth, or any injury that causes bleeding or pain that does not settle, call our office right away. Our emergency dental care in Tulsa is set up to see injured patients as quickly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Mouthguards
Do custom mouthguards really protect better than store bought ones?
Yes. Because a custom guard is made from an impression of your teeth, it fits closely, has an even thickness, and stays in place during contact. That consistent coverage spreads impact more effectively, and the better comfort means athletes keep it in for the whole game.
How long does a custom sports mouthguard last?
For adults, a well cared for custom guard can last several seasons. Kids and teens usually need a new one every season or two because their teeth and jaws are still changing. We check the fit at regular visits and let you know when it is time for a replacement.
Can my child wear a mouthguard with braces?
Absolutely, and it is especially important for athletes with braces. A mouthguard protects the brackets and wires and keeps them from cutting the lips and cheeks. We can recommend a design that works with orthodontic treatment.
Which sports need a mouthguard?
Any sport with a chance of falls, flying objects, or contact with other players. That includes football, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, volleyball, martial arts, skateboarding, and gymnastics.
Does insurance cover a custom mouthguard?
Coverage varies by plan. Some dental plans help with the cost of athletic guards, while others do not. Our team is glad to check your benefits and explain your options before we begin. You can learn more on our dental insurance and payment options page.
Protect Your Athlete’s Smile at South Tulsa Dental
A custom sports mouthguard is one of the simplest ways to keep a healthy smile safe through every game, practice, and season. Dr. Tricinella and our team proudly serve families from across the Tulsa area at our office at 6134 E 61st St, Tulsa, OK 74136, and we would love to help your athlete get a guard that fits right. You can also explore our full list of dental services or read about why so many households choose us as their family dentist in Tulsa.
Ready to gear up for the season? Schedule your custom mouthguard fitting online or call us at (918) 628-0834. We look forward to seeing you.
