Preventing Cracked Teeth with a Mouthguard: Types, Who Should Wear One, and Night-Guard Differences
A mouthguard is protective gear that absorbs impact to the face and mouth during sport, reducing teeth being cracked or knocked out. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA, 질병관리청) advises using a mouthpiece or face protection when playing sports, and the FDI World Dental Federation recommends wearing one at all ages in contact and collision sports. Its purpose differs from a night guard used by people who grind their teeth in sleep.
Key facts
| Protective gear in sport | Wearing a mouthpiece or face protection is recommended (source: KDCA National Health Information Portal) |
|---|---|
| Recommended wearers | All ages in contact and collision sports, especially from when a child's upper front permanent teeth come in (source: FDI World Dental Federation) |
| Types | Stock, boil-and-bite shaped in hot water, custom made from an impression (source: FDI World Dental Federation) |
| Combat and contact sports | Custom guard recommended even for occasional participants (source: FDI World Dental Federation) |
| Check interval | Checked regularly at the dentist, at least once a year (source: FDI World Dental Federation) |
| When dental trauma is common | Childhood and adolescence (source: KDCA National Health Information Portal) |
Why is a mouthguard needed?
The KDCA explains that dental trauma occurs most often in childhood and adolescence, and advises using a mouthpiece or face protection when playing sports to prevent it. A mouthguard absorbs and spreads out the impact that would pass straight to the teeth when hit by a ball, an opponent or the ground.
A cracked front tooth or a knocked-out permanent tooth often needs lifelong care even with good first aid. Preventing injury beforehand is better than treating it afterward for both the teeth and the cost, so if you play sports with a risk of collision, it is good to treat a mouthguard as basic equipment.
What types of mouthguard are there?
The FDI World Dental Federation divides mouthguards into three types. Price, comfort and protection differ, so choose to match the sport and how often you play.
A custom guard is made to fit your own teeth from an impression or 3D scan at the dentist, so it stays in place well and is relatively comfortable for speaking and breathing. The FDI recommends a custom guard for contact and combat sports even for occasional players, and states that custom guards should be provided by a dentist or by dental staff under a dentist's direction.
- Stock: sold in set shapes by size; ready to use but may fit poorly
- Boil-and-bite: a thermoplastic product warmed in hot water and shaped by biting
- Custom: made from an impression at the dentist to fit your own teeth
For which sports, and from what age, should a mouthguard be worn?
The FDI recommends mouthguards at all ages for sports with contact or collision. This covers sports where you can hit people, balls or equipment, such as basketball, soccer, hockey, rugby, taekwondo, boxing and judo, and also sports that countries classify as dangerous or extreme.
For children, it advises taking special care once the upper front permanent teeth start to come in. A child's jaw and teeth keep growing, so even a custom guard may stop fitting as they grow, and the dentist should check the fit regularly. If braces are worn, a shape that allows for the appliance is needed, so discuss with the dentist.
How does a sports mouthguard differ from a night guard?
A sports mouthguard aims to protect the teeth, lips and gums from impact coming from outside. A night guard, on the other hand, is used to reduce wear and cracking of teeth from the force of grinding or clenching in sleep.
The KDCA lists controlling the habit of grinding or clenching and wearing a night guard as ways to manage toothache. A night guard has to take the jaw joint and bite into account, so it is usually made after a dental diagnosis. Because the two devices differ in purpose and form, first have a dentist confirm whether you need protection during sport or management of grinding overnight, and choose the right device.
How do I care for a mouthguard, and when do I replace it?
After use, rinse it with water to wash off saliva and debris, dry it well, and store it in a ventilated case made for it. Avoid hot water and a hot sunny car, which can change its shape.
The FDI recommends having the dentist check a mouthguard regularly, at least once a year. When it has holes or has thinned from chewing, gone loose because its shape has changed, or when dental treatment or orthodontics has changed the shape of the teeth, protection declines and it is better to have a new one made.
Common myths and facts
Myth: A mouthguard is needed only by pro athletes.
The FDI recommends mouthguards at all ages in contact and collision sports. This includes club activities and school sports.
Myth: Any mouthguard protects equally.
A poorly fitting product may come out during play or fail to spread impact evenly. The FDI recommends a custom guard for contact and combat sports.
Frequently asked questions
Is breathing or talking uncomfortable with a mouthguard in?
A poorly fitting product such as a stock one may have to be held with the mouth open and be uncomfortable. A custom guard fits tightly to the teeth so you can breathe and talk relatively comfortably, so for a sport you must wear it through for long, a custom guard is worth considering.
How often should a child's mouthguard be replaced?
A child's teeth fall out and new ones come in, and the jaw grows, so the fit changes often. The FDI recommends a check at least once a year, so it is good to bring the mouthguard to regular checkups and have the fit confirmed.
Can teeth still be hurt while wearing a mouthguard?
A mouthguard reduces impact but does not prevent all injuries. If a tooth cracks or is knocked out during sport, put the fragment and tooth in milk or saline and go to the dentist at once; if a permanent tooth is knocked out, give first aid by replanting it as soon as possible.
Is the cost of a mouthguard covered by health insurance?
A sports mouthguard is preventive gear rather than treatment, so cost varies greatly with type and method of making, and the cost of a custom guard also differs by clinic. Before having one made, check the cost, whether insurance applies and how it will be checked with the dentist.
I am in braces. May I wear a mouthguard when playing sports?
With braces, lips and cheeks risk being cut by the appliance on impact, so more protection may be needed. But ordinary products may not fit because of the appliance, so consult your orthodontist to choose a suitable form.
Related topics
- Cracked or loose tooth
- Cracked or loose tooth
- First aid for a knocked-out tooth
- Chipped front tooth
- Tooth wear
- Morning jaw pain