By Dr. Russell Kelly, DDS – Newport Dental Arts, Newport Beach, CA
Athletes know that performance depends on training, nutrition, and equipment. But there’s one essential piece of gear that’s often overlooked—a custom sports mouth guard. Whether you’re a competitive athlete or a weekend warrior, protecting your smile is just as important as protecting your knees, elbows, or head.
At Newport Dental Arts, we design custom-fit sports mouth guards that not only shield your teeth but also improve comfort, fit, and even athletic performance. If you or your child plays contact sports, this investment can save you from costly dental repairs and painful injuries.
Why Sports Mouth Guards Are Essential
A properly fitted mouth guard is a must for any sport with potential contact—whether with another player, the ground, or equipment. This includes football, basketball, hockey, soccer, lacrosse, martial arts, and even activities like skateboarding or mountain biking.
Without a mouth guard, you risk:
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Broken or chipped teeth
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Lip, cheek, or tongue injuries
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Jaw fractures
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Concussions caused by impact
Research from the American Dental Association shows that athletes without a mouth guard are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries. That’s a statistic no athlete can afford to ignore.
Why Custom Mouth Guards Outperform Store-Bought Options
While you can find “boil-and-bite” mouth guards at most sporting goods stores, they can’t match the comfort, protection, and durability of a custom-made guard. Here’s why athletes choose custom over off-the-shelf:
1. Perfect Fit for Maximum Comfort
Custom mouth guards are crafted from an exact impression of your teeth. They won’t shift, fall out, or rub uncomfortably during play—meaning you can focus on the game, not your gear.
2. Better Protection
Because they fit precisely, custom guards cover all vulnerable areas of your teeth and gums. They also distribute the force of impacts more evenly, reducing the risk of broken teeth and jaw injuries.
3. Easier Breathing & Speaking
Poorly fitted mouth guards can make it hard to breathe or communicate with teammates. Our custom designs are slim, lightweight, and shaped to allow easy airflow and clear speech.
4. Longer Lifespan
Custom mouth guards are made from high-quality dental materials that last longer than store-bought plastic versions—saving you money in the long run.
The Process at Newport Dental Arts
Getting your custom mouth guard is quick and easy:
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Consultation & Exam – We assess your sport, age, and dental health to design the right guard for your needs.
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Digital Impressions – No messy putty! We use precise digital scans to capture your teeth in detail.
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Custom Fabrication – Your guard is made in a dental lab with professional-grade materials.
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Fitting & Adjustments – We ensure the perfect fit and make minor tweaks for maximum comfort.
You can even choose from a variety of colors to match your team spirit.
Who Needs a Sports Mouth Guard?
You don’t have to be a pro athlete to benefit. We recommend mouth guards for:
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High school and college athletes
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Adults in recreational leagues
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Martial artists and boxers
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Extreme sports enthusiasts
Even non-contact sports can pose risks—unexpected falls, collisions, or equipment mishaps can happen anywhere.
Mouth Guards and Concussion Prevention
While no mouth guard can completely prevent concussions, research suggests they can reduce the severity of certain head injuries. By cushioning blows to the jaw, a custom mouth guard helps absorb shock and minimize impact to the skull.
Caring for Your Mouth Guard
To keep your custom mouth guard in top shape:
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Rinse it before and after each use with cool water.
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Clean with a toothbrush and mild soap weekly.
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Store in a ventilated container.
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Avoid leaving it in hot environments (like a car), which can warp the shape.
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Replace every season or sooner if damaged.
Local Care for Newport Beach Athletes
At Newport Dental Arts, we proudly serve athletes from Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Irvine, and all of Orange County. Dr. Russell Kelly combines advanced technology with a personal touch to keep smiles healthy on and off the field.
Your smile is one of your greatest assets—protect it with the same dedication you give to training and conditioning.
Schedule your custom sports mouth guard appointment today.
Dr. Russell Kelly, DDS
Newport Dental Arts | Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in Newport Beach, CA
Address: 2382 SE Bristol St, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: (949) 752-1210
