When you think about essential sports gear, items like helmets, pads, and cleats likely come to mind first. But there’s one critical piece of equipment that is often overlooked — the mouth guard. At Landman Dental Associates in Chicago, IL, we know that protecting your teeth is just as important as protecting your head or knees. That’s why we strongly advocate for custom mouth guards for every athlete, regardless of age or level of play.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a student-athlete, or a professional competitor, a custom mouth guard is a small investment that can save you from painful injuries, expensive dental repairs, and even long-term health complications. Here’s why you should never step onto the field, court, or rink without one.

The Risks of Playing Without a Mouth Guard

Athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries when not wearing a mouth guard. And these injuries aren’t limited to contact sports like football and hockey — they’re common in basketball, soccer, gymnastics, skateboarding, and even recreational cycling.

Without proper protection, athletes risk:

• Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
• Knocked-out teeth
• Fractured jaws
• Soft tissue injuries to the lips, cheeks, and tongue
• Concussions, which can be mitigated by proper jaw stabilization

Dental injuries are not only painful but can also lead to permanent damage requiring crowns, root canals, implants, or even reconstructive surgery — all of which can be costly and time-consuming.

Why Choose a Custom Mouth Guard Over a Store-Bought One?

You might be tempted to pick up a “boil and bite” mouth guard from your local sporting goods store. While these off-the-shelf options are better than wearing no protection at all, they simply can’t match the quality, fit, and protection of a custom-made mouth guard from Landman Dental Associates.

Here’s why a custom mouth guard stands out:

1. Superior Fit and Comfort: Custom mouth guards are made from impressions of your actual teeth, ensuring a snug, comfortable fit. Store-bought mouth guards are generic and often bulky, causing discomfort, difficulty breathing, and even gagging during use.
2. Enhanced Protection: Because they fit precisely, custom guards offer optimal shock absorption and protect not just your teeth but also the jaw and surrounding tissues. They minimize movement inside the mouth during impact, which reduces the risk of serious injury.
3. Durability: Custom mouth guards are made from high-quality materials that are more durable and resistant to tearing than store-bought varieties. With proper care, a custom guard can last an entire season or longer.
4. Better Performance: Athletes wearing comfortable, properly fitted mouth guards can communicate clearly, breathe efficiently, and stay focused on their game — without being distracted by a bulky or ill-fitting device.

Who Should Wear a Custom Mouth Guard?

The simple answer: anyone who participates in sports.

Some of the sports where mouth guards are strongly recommended include:

• Football
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Hockey (ice and field)
• Lacrosse
• Wrestling
• Martial Arts (boxing, MMA, karate, etc.)
• Gymnastics
• Skateboarding
• Mountain biking
• Rugby
• Baseball and softball

Even athletes involved in non-contact sports should consider protection, especially if there’s a risk of falls, collisions, or flying equipment.

The Custom Mouth Guard Process at Landman Dental Associates

At Landman Dental Associates in Chicago, getting a custom mouth guard is simple and stress-free:

1. Consultation and Impressions: We begin with a brief consultation to discuss your specific sport and protection needs. Then we take precise impressions of your teeth.
2. Fabrication: Using the latest dental technology and durable materials, your mouth guard is custom-fabricated for optimal fit and performance.
3. Fitting Appointment: Once your mouth guard is ready, you’ll come in for a fitting to ensure it fits perfectly and feels comfortable.
4. Care Instructions: We’ll provide you with detailed care instructions to help you maintain your mouth guard and extend its life.

The entire process is quick and easy, giving you professional-grade protection without interrupting your training or season.

How to Care for Your Custom Mouth Guard

Taking care of your mouth guard will help ensure it stays effective throughout the season:

• Rinse before and after use with cold water or a mouth rinse.
• Clean it regularly with a toothbrush and mild soap, not hot water (which could distort it).
• Store it in a ventilated, sturdy case to prevent damage and bacteria growth.
• Keep it out of direct sunlight and high temperatures.
• Check it periodically for wear and replace it if it becomes damaged or ill-fitting.

Invest in Your Health, Your Performance, and Your Smile

Injuries can happen in the blink of an eye. Don’t leave your smile unprotected — a custom mouth guard is a simple, affordable way to ensure you stay safe and in the game. Whether you’re an aspiring young athlete, a college competitor, or an adult weekend player, protecting your teeth should be a top priority.

At Landman Dental Associates, we are proud to help athletes across Chicago, IL safeguard their smiles with expertly crafted, custom-fitted mouth guards. We combine cutting-edge technology with compassionate care, ensuring you get the protection you need without sacrificing comfort or performance.

Ready to Protect Your Smile?

Don’t wait for a dental emergency to realize the importance of a mouth guard. Contact Landman Dental Associates today to schedule your custom fitting!