Preventing Mouthguard Fall-Outs: Signs Your Mouthguard Fits Well

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the common reasons why mouthguards may fall out during activity. From poor fit to issues of discomfort or even improper protection, there are a few causes of mouthguards falling out -- but also a few ways you can prevent this from happening while you compete. 

At Damage Control Mouthguards, we're proud to offer clients a wide selection of custom-fit mouthguards, with options for activities ranging from MMA and boxing to football, basketball and more. We've helped thousands of clients find the ideal mouthguard for their needs, plus ensure that it's not at-risk of falling out during their primary forms of activity. Today's part two of our series will go over some positive signs that you've chosen a mouthguard with the proper fit.

Breathing and Speaking Without Problems

First and foremost, a mouthguard with proper fit should allow the wearer to breathe and speak normally. It's not a place to skimp on comfort or protection, so if the device you're wearing affects your ability to breathe comfortably, it might be time to consider an alternative.

Remember that for competitive athletes in contact sports, breathing could potentially mean the difference between success and failure. The ability to breathe and speak comfortably while wearing a mouthguard is an absolute must. This holds just as true for young athletes in non-contact activities such as basketball and baseball, where the use of a quality mouthguard can prevent damage to the teeth and gums, leading to less downtime and more time on the court or playing field.

Fits Securely

When the mouthguard is in the mouth, the wearer should not need to clench the jaw excessively in order to keep the mouthpiece in place. Rather, it should fit snugly enough that the teeth are biting down into its surface while still allowing for normal movement, including talking and breathing.

If your mouthguard is requiring you to clench the jaw muscles more than usual just to keep it in place during activity, you should be looking for an alternative.

Covers the Right Areas

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the mouthguard must have the proper coverage. A mouthguard that's too short, for instance, will leave the roots of the teeth exposed. Such a design can lead to serious damage in the form of root staining, tooth fractures and even tooth loss.

A mouthguard that's too high, on the other hand, will have the tendency to ride up into the lip area. Since there are no teeth in this region of the mouth, a mouthguard that moves here will be useless for preventing damage to your smile.

For more on how to tell if your mouthguard is fitting properly to avoid fall-out risks, or to learn about any of our custom mouthguard options, speak to the staff at Damage Control Mouthguards today.