Athletic Mouth Guards
Sports account for 13–39% of all dental injuries every year. One impact is enough to chip, crack, or knock out a tooth, and restoring a damaged smile costs far more than protecting it in the first place. At Brammeier Family Dental, Drs. Brammeier and Ericson make custom-fitted athletic mouth guards that deliver superior protection, comfort, and durability for players of every age and skill level.
The risk
Sports cause between 13% and 39% of dental injuries each year, and athletes who skip mouth protection are 60 times more likely to suffer a dental injury than those who wear it.
Who it's for
Athletes of any age in contact or collision sports such as football, basketball, hockey, soccer, lacrosse, wrestling, baseball, and martial arts. Even non-contact sports like gymnastics and skateboarding carry real risk.
How we help
A custom-fabricated sports mouth guard from Drs. Brammeier and Ericson matches your exact bite, holds securely in place, and provide far better protection than any store-bought guard.
One impact. One knocked-out tooth. A custom mouth guard is the cheapest insurance your smile can carry.
Why Custom-Fit Matters
Custom vs. Store-Bought
- Precise fit: Made from a dental impression of your exact teeth, with no bulk, no gaps, and no loose edges
- Better protection: Spreads impact force evenly across every tooth, while store-bought guards shield only where they touch
- Stays in place: A well-fitted guard won't slip during play or get spit out without thinking
- Easier to breathe and speak: A guard that fits properly lets athletes communicate and perform better
- More durable: Built from thicker, higher-quality materials that survive a full season
Sports That Benefit Most
- High contact: Football, hockey (ice and field), rugby, lacrosse, boxing, and martial arts
- Moderate contact: Basketball, soccer, baseball/softball, volleyball, and water polo
- Collision risk: Gymnastics, skateboarding, mountain biking, BMX, skiing, and snowboarding
- Racket sports: Racquetball and squash, where rackets and other players collide with you
- For 29 different sports, the American Dental Association recommends mouth guards
What a Mouth Guard Protects
Dental Injuries Prevented
- Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth: The most serious sports dental injury, often permanent unless managed immediately
- Fractured and chipped teeth: Even minor chips in front teeth need bonding or veneer repair
- Root fractures: Damage below the gumline that may stay hidden yet can lead to extraction
- Tooth intrusion or extrusion: An impact that forces a tooth deeper into or partway out of its socket
- Jaw fractures: A properly fitted guard buffers the jaw against direct impact forces
Soft Tissue Injuries Prevented
- Lip lacerations: On impact, teeth can slice deeply into lips, but a guard forms a barrier
- Cheek injuries: Without protection, the inner cheek tissue is often torn when teeth strike it
- Tongue lacerations: Sudden jaw impacts leave the tongue vulnerable to biting
- Concussion reduction: Research suggests that by absorbing and redistributing impact force, properly fitted mouth guards may lower the risk or severity of sports concussions
Don't wait for an injury to strike. Get a custom sports mouth guard before the season begins.
Getting Your Custom Guard
Simple, Two-Visit Process
- First visit: Drs. Brammeier and Ericson capture precise impressions (or digital scans) of your teeth
- Lab fabrication: Your guard is custom-built to your exact bite specifications
- Second visit: We confirm the fit, make minor adjustments if needed, and walk you through care
- From first appointment to delivery, the whole process usually takes under two weeks
- On request, we can also produce guards in team colors or with name/number personalization
Caring for Your Guard
- Rinse it in cold water before and after each use
- Clean it with a toothbrush and mild liquid soap, then rinse thoroughly
- Keep it in the hard, ventilated case when it's not in use
- Keep it out of direct sunlight and heat, which can warp the material
- Check it regularly for tears, holes, or fit changes, and replace it if damaged
- Bring it to checkups so Drs. Brammeier and Ericson can inspect it for wear and fit
Frequently Asked Questions
Protect your investment in your smile. Book a fitting for your custom sports mouth guard today.