Sports are great for staying active, building teamwork, and blowing off steam—but they also come with some risks to your smile. Whether it’s a stray ball, an accidental elbow, or an unexpected fall, oral injuries can happen fast. That’s where athletic mouthguards come in.

If you or your child plays a contact or high-impact sport, an athletic mouthguard isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

High-Contact Sports Where Mouthguards Are a Must

Some sports are obvious candidates for mouth protection. Football, hockey, boxing, and lacrosse all involve contact to the head and face. In fact, many leagues require mouthguards for these sports because the risk of broken or knocked-out teeth is so high.

Wrestling, martial arts, and rugby also fall into this group. A properly fitted mouthguard helps cushion the blow and reduce the risk of chipped teeth, cuts, or jaw injuries.

Other Sports That Still Pose a Risk

You might not think of basketball or soccer as “contact sports,” but that doesn’t mean accidents don’t happen. A fast-moving ball or an elbow during a rebound can easily cause dental trauma. Baseball, softball, skateboarding, mountain biking, and gymnastics are other examples of sports where an athletic mouthguard is strongly recommended.

Even non-contact sports like skiing, skateboarding, and snowboarding can involve sudden falls or collisions. If there’s a risk of hitting the ground or another player, wearing a mouthguard makes sense.

Custom Mouthguards in Corvallis, OR at Corvallis Dental Group

At Corvallis Dental Group, Dr. Jason Thomas Greyslak and Dr. Rose Greyslak offer custom athletic mouthguards designed for comfort and protection. Unlike store-bought versions, custom guards are molded to fit your mouth and stay in place during activity. That means better protection—and a better chance you’ll actually want to wear it.

If you or your child is gearing up for a season on the field, court, or mat, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call to get fitted before the first whistle blows.