What does it protect?
Mainly teeth and nearby soft tissues during impacts.
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How does a mouthguard protect during sport?
A sports mouthguard covers the teeth and cushions impact. A well-fitting guard can reduce the risk of dental and oral injury. It does not guarantee complete protection.
For dental trainees & teams
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Cushion impact
Resilient material can distribute impact forces and soften contact between teeth and soft tissues. It needs to fit appropriately to do so.
Fit matters
A mouthguard should stay in place without constant clenching. Breathing and speaking should remain possible; braces or changing teeth require attention to fit.
Training counts too
Injuries happen during training as well as competition. Clean after use, allow it to dry and store it ventilated; have damage or poor fit checked.
At a glance
Who may benefit?
People taking part in activities with meaningful oral-injury risk.
What needs checking?
Fit, condition, breathing and changes caused by growth or dental treatment.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. Straight to the point.
Explanations are also shown on screen.
Silent film in German · English explanations in the three views above
Often confused
Sports mouthguard or bite splint?
Sports guards are intended for impact protection; a bite splint is made for a different dental purpose.
Quick answers
Can I use a grinding splint?
Not automatically. Grinding splints, aligners and sports mouthguards have different purposes and material requirements.
Is it only for combat sports?
No. Ball, contact and other sports involving falls or impacts may also warrant protection.
Does it prevent concussion?
That cannot be guaranteed. It replaces neither an appropriate helmet nor other required safety equipment.
At the practice
For your consultation
A question to discuss with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Which kind of mouthguard suits my sport and tooth positions?
Individual findings are the basis for discussing appropriate next steps.
The sport, tooth positions and any existing appliances should be considered together.
Discuss suitable mouth protectionChoose an appointment on DoctolibLearning for dental trainees & teamsUnderstand clinical terms and build your knowledge
Build on the simple explanation with clinical terms, key distinctions and a knowledge question.
- Impact absorption
- Cushioning and distributing applied forces.
- Retention
- How a mouthguard stays in place on the teeth.
- Individual fit
- Adapting shape and fit to a particular mouth.
Know the difference
A sports-protection purpose cannot be assumed merely because something is called a dental appliance.
Sources and context
Editorial research: 23 October 2026. This explanation covers general principles and does not replace a personal examination. Suitable treatment is discussed following individual assessment.