6 Reasons to Choose a Custom Mouth Guard for Sports
If you’ve ever been handed a crumpled permission slip, a sports schedule, or a last-minute request for gear on the way out the door, you’re not alone. When your athlete springs the “I need a mouth guard” news the night before a big game, it can feel like just one more thing on your plate.
Sure, mouth protectors for sports are easy to find at your local drugstore. But there’s a reason so many end up chewed, discarded, or barely worn. They don’t fit well. They’re uncomfortable. And when it counts, they don’t offer the kind of protection athletes actually need.
That’s where a custom mouth guard comes in. Here are six reasons it’s worth the upgrade, and how we can help you get one fast at Kings Dental.
1. Custom Mouth Guards Fit, and That Changes Everything
Store-bought football mouthpieces and boil-and-bite options are made in standard shapes. That might work for packaging, but it doesn’t work for growing mouths or unique bites. And for athletes with braces, crowding, or larger gaps? It’s even worse.
A custom fit mouth guard is made from a precise dental impression or scan, which means it fits snugly, stays in place, and won’t fall out mid-play. A secure fit also makes it easier to speak, breathe, and focus on the game, not on a mouth guard that keeps slipping.
Fit isn’t just about comfort, it’s about safety. A mouth guard that actually stays in place can do its job when it matters most.
2. They Offer Serious Protection, and Stats Back It Up
A mouth guard isn’t just a piece of equipment; it’s part of your athlete’s safety plan. And the difference between an over-the-counter guard and a custom sports mouth guard is bigger than most people realize.
Studies show that athletes using custom guards experience 82% fewer dental injuries than those who go without one at all. Another study found that concussion rates drop from 8.3% with store-bought guards to 3.6% with custom-fitted options. That’s not a small shift; it’s the kind of data that gives parents peace of mind.
And here’s another number that stands out: more than 70% of athletes have experienced orofacial injuries during play. Among kids ages 11 to 13, that number still sits around 52%. A guard that fits well is far more likely to be worn, and far more likely to prevent damage in the first place.
3. They’re More Comfortable, So Athletes Actually Use Them
Let’s be honest: no gear helps if it ends up forgotten in a duffel bag or left on the bench. Discomfort is the number one reason many athletes skip their sports mouth guard altogether or end up chewing it into a shape that no longer fits properly.
Bulkier options might offer thicker material, but they often restrict breathing or speech. A custom mouth guard, on the other hand, is designed with both protection and comfort in mind. That balance makes it more wearable, especially during fast-paced games when every breath counts.
At Kings Dental, we help athletes get guards that feel good—and when they feel good, they’re more likely to stay where they belong.
4. They Can Be Personalized for Team Spirit and Preference
Want to match your school’s colors? Add a name? Show off a bit of personality? We’ve got options.
Our custom guards can be tailored with team colors, names, and other design choices that make the gear feel personal and fun. Especially for younger players, that touch of customization encourages pride... And more consistent wear.
From boxing gum guards with flair to a decked-out custom mouth guard for the football season, we make it easy to stand out while staying protected.
5. Kings Dental Makes the Process Easy, Even Last Minute
You just found out your athlete needs a guard... And your schedule is already packed.
That’s exactly the kind of situation we’re here for. At Kings Dental, we offer walk-in availability and flexible scheduling, so you can come in for a fast, stress-free fitting when it works for you. The process is straightforward, and we’ll provide a clear timeline so you know when the guard will be ready.
6. They’re a Small Investment That Can Prevent Big Emergencies
Let’s talk about what happens without the right gear.
Dental injuries are one of the most common consequences of sports, but they’re also one of the easiest to prevent. According to the National Institutes of Health, 13% of all dental trauma in children comes from sports. Yet only 41% of athletes report wearing a mouth guard at all.
That gap has consequences. Studies show that athletes who skip a guard have a 25% higher risk of concussion, and those who wear one experience 82% fewer dental injuries than those who don’t.
A custom sports mouth guard does more than protect teeth. It helps athletes avoid pain, urgent care visits, missed school days, and expensive procedures caused by sports-related injuries.
That kind of protection offers peace of mind for every family. It is a smart, proactive step toward avoiding preventable emergencies.
Protect Their Smile with Kings Dental
Whether your athlete is suiting up for the first time or heading into another season, a custom mouth guard is one of the most practical ways to stay protected.
Walk in or schedule your custom fitting today. We’ll take care of the impression, walk you through the design choices, and get your player ready for kickoff—with comfort, safety, and convenience all built in.
