By Dr. Richa Bhatnagar | Jacksonport Dental Clinic, NE Calgary
Let’s talk about sports… and teeth.
Hey there! I’m Dr. Richa Bhatnagar, your friendly family dentist at Jacksonport Dental Clinic in NE Calgary.
If you or your child plays any kind of contact or high-impact sport—like hockey, football, basketball, or even martial arts—then this one’s especially for you.
I’ve had parents tell me, “It’s just a game. Do we really need a custom mouthguard?” My honest answer? Absolutely. Let me tell you why.
What Is a Mouthguard, Really?
A mouthguard is a protective dental appliance worn over your teeth to reduce the risk of injury during physical activity.
There are two main types:
- Store-bought boil-and-bite mouthguards
- Custom-made mouthguards by a dentist (like me!)
While both offer protection, only one is tailored to your teeth, jaw, and unique bite. And that makes all the difference.
Why Sports Can Be Dangerous for Your Smile
Here are just some of the dental injuries I’ve seen in my practice:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Tooth loss from impact
- Jaw fractures or dislocations
- Lip and gum injuries
- Tongue lacerations
- TMJ issues from a blow to the chin
And the hardest part? Most of these could’ve been prevented with a well-fitted mouthguard.
Especially with children and teens—who are still developing—we need to protect both their adult and baby teeth, which play a role in jaw alignment and future bite health.
What’s Wrong With Store-Bought Mouthguards?
Let’s break it down simply:
| Feature | Store-Bought | Custom (By Dentist) |
| Fit & Comfort | Loose, bulky | Snug, precise fit |
| Speech Interference | Often hard to speak | Minimal |
| Breathing During Activity | Can be difficult | Easy and natural |
| Risk of Falling Out | High | Low |
| Effectiveness in Protection | Basic | High |
| Longevity | Wears out fast | Durable |
Many athletes toss out those store-bought guards halfway through the season because they’re uncomfortable or distracting.
Benefits of Custom Mouthguards (Made Just for You)
Here’s what makes our custom guards at Jacksonport Dental special:
- Tailor-Made Fit Made using a mold of your teeth for ultimate comfort and security.
- Durability Made from professional-grade materials that last an entire season or more.
- Better Breathing and Talking No gagging, no slipping, and no need to pull it out every 5 minutes.
- Designed for Your Sport From hockey hits to jiu-jitsu grips—we design based on your game’s intensity.
- Peace of Mind You can play hard knowing your smile is safe. And for parents—fewer emergency dental visits!
Special Consideration: Kids & Teens
If your child wears braces, don’t worry—we’ll customize the guard to protect both the brackets and the soft tissues of the mouth.
Also, kids grow fast! If your child is under 16, we recommend evaluating their mouthguard fit every season. Growth spurts can change everything—even how a mouthguard fits.
What Happens Without One?
Unfortunately, I’ve seen it firsthand. A teenage patient came in after a hockey game with two front teeth completely knocked out. No mouthguard. The emotional distress, the cost of replacement, and the time to restore the smile—it was all avoidable.
Dental trauma from sports can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $20,000+ in repairs over a lifetime. A mouthguard? A few hundred at most.
What’s the Process Like at Jacksonport Dental?
- Quick Consultation We evaluate your sport, age, and smile.
- Digital or Physical Impression Comfortable, no-mess impressions of your teeth.
- Custom Fabrication Sent to a lab for professional-grade construction.
- Fitting & Adjustments Try it on, make sure it’s perfect. Then you’re game-ready!
When Should I Get One?
Now, before the next game, practice, or season starts.
Don’t wait for an injury to realize the value of prevention.
We’re Your Local Sports Dentist in NE Calgary
At Jacksonport Dental Clinic, we proudly serve families across Cityscape, Redstone, Savanna, Cornerstone, Martindale, Skyview, and surrounding neighborhoods. Whether it’s your child’s first season of soccer or your weekly men’s hockey league—we’ve got your smile covered.
👩⚕️ Dr. Richa’s Final Word:
“I always say—protect the smile that wins games. A mouthguard isn’t just a plastic piece—it’s an insurance policy for your teeth.”
👉 Ready to protect your smile?
📞 Call us: +1 403-815-3040
📍 Visit us: 124-3730 104 Ave NE, Calgary AB T3N 0T1
🌐 jacksonportdental.ca
🦷 Open 7 Days a Week – Yes, even Sundays!
