Injuries That Can Occur Without a Mouthguard in Sports
November 29, 2024

Injuries That Can Occur Without a Mouthguard in Sports

Playing sports is an excellent way to stay active, but it also comes with risks, especially to your mouth and jaw. Many high-impact sports involve balls, sticks, or physical contact, which can cause serious injuries if you’re not adequately protected. A mouthguard is one of the simplest yet most effective pieces of protective equipment for reducing these risks.

Here’s a look at the types of injuries that can occur if you skip wearing a mouthguard during sports.

1. Dental Injuries

Chipped or Broken Teeth

High-impact hits from balls, sticks, or other players can easily chip or crack your teeth. The repair process for these injuries can be costly and time-consuming.

Knocked-Out Teeth

Without a mouthguard, a direct blow to the mouth can dislodge or completely knock out teeth. This type of injury often requires emergency dental care and long-term solutions like implants or bridges.

Fractured Tooth Roots

Impacts can cause damage below the gumline, fracturing the roots of your teeth. This type of injury may not be immediately noticeable but can lead to long-term dental complications.

2. Jaw Injuries

Jaw Fractures

Sports like field hockey, football, or boxing involve frequent collisions or high-speed impacts. Without a mouthguard to absorb the force, the jawbone can fracture, often requiring surgery to repair.

Jaw Dislocations

Strong forces to the chin or jaw can cause dislocations, making it difficult to speak, eat, or even open your mouth. A mouthguard helps reduce the risk by cushioning the blow.

3. Soft Tissue Damage

Cuts and Bruises to the Lips and Cheeks

Without a mouthguard, your teeth can cut into your lips and cheeks during impacts, causing painful and sometimes deep wounds.

Tongue Injuries

Your tongue is also at risk of being bitten or cut during high-contact sports. Mouthguards provide a barrier that prevents these injuries.

4. Concussions

A mouthguard doesn’t just protect your teeth—it can help reduce the severity of concussions. Blows to the jaw can transfer force to the skull, potentially causing traumatic brain injuries. While mouthguards don’t prevent concussions outright, they do absorb some of the impact, lowering the risk.

5. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Injuries

The TMJ connects your jaw to your skull and is highly vulnerable to damage during impacts. A mouthguard helps stabilize this joint, reducing the likelihood of painful TMJ disorders caused by blows to the jaw.

6. Dental Misalignment

Repeated impacts to the mouth without a mouthguard can shift your teeth or jaw out of alignment. This may lead to bite problems that require orthodontic treatment to correct.

Sports Where Mouthguards Are Essential

Mouthguards should be worn in any sport with a risk of contact or impact, including:

  • Field hockey
  • Boxing and martial arts
  • Football (American and rugby)
  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Lacrosse
  • Ice hockey
  • Skateboarding and cycling

The Long-Term Consequences of Avoiding a Mouthguard

Ignoring the need for a mouthguard doesn’t just put you at risk for immediate injuries it can also lead to:

  • Expensive dental treatments (e.g., crowns, implants, root canals).
  • Chronic jaw pain from misalignment or TMJ disorders.
  • Scarring and cosmetic concerns from cuts to soft tissues.
  • Permanent tooth loss that may require dentures or implants.

Protect Yourself: Wear a Mouthguard

A well-fitted mouthguard is a small investment that provides significant protection. Whether you’re playing casually or competing at a high level, wearing a mouthguard ensures you can focus on the game without worrying about life-changing injuries.