Dental and Jaw Protection in Sports: Orthodontists Recommend Custom Mouthguards for Soccer and Basketball Players
To kick off the new season, the practice is providing information on injury prevention and the role of the masticatory system in athletes
Augsburg, August 2026 – Just in time for the start of the soccer and basketball seasons, the Augsburg Orthodontists’ Practice in Augsburg-Haunstetten is highlighting the importance of a custom-fitted sports mouthguard. During collisions, falls, and contact with the ball, the teeth and jaw are among the most commonly injured areas of the face—a risk that can be significantly reduced with relatively little effort. In Augsburg, home to many sports clubs—from soccer to ice hockey—a properly fitting mouthguard is an essential piece of equipment for young athletes. But the bite isn’t just an issue in contact sports: Even in precision sports like golf and tennis, the bite affects musculature, posture, and movement patterns.
Soccer and Basketball: The Underestimated Risk of Facial Injuries
Soccer and basketball are not considered traditional combat sports—yet dental and jaw injuries occur frequently in these sports in particular. In basketball, elbows under the basket, jumps, and close-quarters battles regularly result in blows to the face. In soccer, injuries occur primarily during headers, collisions, and plays in front of the goal. A sports mouthguard cushions the impact of such blows and can prevent broken or knocked-out teeth, as well as soft tissue and jaw injuries. In many sports, it is now explicitly recommended for children and adolescents.
Why a custom-made face mask fits more securely
Ready-made mouthguards from sports stores rarely fit perfectly; they tend to be loose and are therefore often not worn at all or worn incorrectly. In contrast, a mouthguard custom-made in a dental office based on an impression or digital scan fits perfectly, causes minimal interference with breathing and speech, and provides more consistent protection. Here’s what matters:
- Custom-made to fit perfectly based on an individual dental impression or 3D scan
- especially important for people who wear fixed braces
- Regular checks of the fit, especially during the growth years
- Replacement following tooth loss or changes in tooth alignment
The bite plays a role: temporomandibular joint, muscles, posture
Beyond mere protection, the masticatory system also plays a role in athletic activity. It is closely connected to the muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders via muscles and fascia. If the interaction between the teeth and the temporomandibular joint is disrupted—a condition experts refer to as craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD)—it can contribute to tension in the neck and shoulder area. Especially in precision sports like golf and tennis, where balance, core stability, and fluid movement are crucial to performance, a relaxed or tense masticatory system can make a noticeable difference—from the golf swing to the serve. For those who suffer from recurring tension or jaw problems, an orthodontic functional evaluation can provide valuable insights.
Squeezing and Grinding Under Competition Pressure
Mental stress also affects the jaw: When under pressure, many people clench and grind their teeth (bruxism), often at night and without realizing it. Experts cite the following as typical warning signs:
- Jaw pain or a feeling of jaw fatigue in the morning
- Cracking or grinding noises in the temporomandibular joint
- Recurring tension in the neck and shoulders
- Tension-type headache, especially in the temple area
- Teeth that are visibly worn down or sensitive
If several of these symptoms are present, an orthodontic evaluation of the masticatory system may be advisable. Often, a custom-fitted splint is enough to provide relief.
“When it comes to soccer and basketball, hardly anyone thinks about mouthguards—yet the teeth and jaw are particularly vulnerable parts of the face. A custom-made mouthguard fits better, is more likely to be worn, and effectively prevents injuries.” — Dr. Matthias Epple
