Sports dentistry focuses on the oral health needs of people who train, compete or take part in physical activity. It includes preventing dental injuries, providing properly fitted mouthguards, managing trauma and helping athletes look after their teeth and gums around demanding schedules.
You do not need to be a professional athlete to benefit. Children playing school rugby, adults attending martial arts classes, club hockey players and people who clench their teeth during intense exercise may all need tailored dental advice.
What does a sports dentist do?
A dentist with an interest in sport considers the demands of the activity as well as the condition of the teeth, gums, jaw and bite. The aim is to reduce avoidable problems and create a plan for managing an injury if one occurs.
- Assess the risk of dental and facial injury for a particular sport.
- Design and fit a custom sports mouthguard.
- Advise on clenching, grinding and jaw discomfort during training.
- Review the effects of frequent sports drinks, gels and snacks on the teeth.
- Provide or coordinate urgent care after dental trauma.
- Monitor oral health around competitions, travel and intensive training.
Meet Dr Saul Konviser
Dr Saul Konviser is Montagu Dental’s lead general dentist and has a special interest in sports dentistry. Drawing on his clinical expertise and personal involvement in sport, he can help with custom mouthguards, injury prevention and sports-related dental concerns, providing care tailored to your activity and individual needs.
Why a custom mouthguard matters
A mouthguard helps absorb and spread the force of an impact. British Dental Journal research describes mouthguards as an established way to reduce dental trauma in sport. Fit matters because a guard that moves, feels bulky or makes breathing and communication difficult is less likely to be worn consistently.
A custom-made guard is produced from an accurate record of your teeth. It can be designed for the sport, age and stage of dental development. At a sports dentistry appointment, the dentist can also check for sharp edges, vulnerable restorations or orthodontic appliances that affect the design.
Which sports carry a dental injury risk?
Contact and collision sports are obvious examples, including rugby, boxing, hockey and martial arts. Dental injuries can also happen in basketball, football, cricket, cycling, gymnastics, skateboarding and other activities where falls, equipment or accidental contact are possible.
Risk is personal. A player with prominent front teeth, an existing crown or previous trauma may need protection even in a sport where mouthguards are not compulsory. Children need reviews as their jaws grow and teeth change.
Sports dentistry is about more than injuries
Training habits can affect oral health. Sipping acidic or sugary drinks frequently exposes teeth to repeated acid and sugar. Dehydration can reduce the protective effect of saliva, while busy schedules can make regular meals and daily care less consistent.
Regular dental check-ups help identify decay, erosion, gum inflammation, tooth wear and failing restorations before they interfere with training. Advice should be practical, such as keeping water as the main drink, limiting repeated exposure to sports products and waiting before brushing after an acidic drink.
What happens after a sports dental injury?
A chipped, displaced or knocked-out tooth needs prompt assessment. The right first aid depends on the injury. If an adult tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown rather than the root, keep it moist and seek urgent dental care immediately. Do not put a knocked-out baby tooth back into the socket.
Even if the damage looks minor, the root and supporting tissues may have been affected. An emergency dentistry appointment allows the team to assess the tooth, record the injury and arrange follow-up monitoring where needed.
When should you book a sports dentistry assessment?
Book before a new season, when changing sport, after orthodontic treatment or if an existing mouthguard no longer fits. It is also worth seeking advice if you notice jaw aching after training, repeated mouth ulcers from a guard or sensitivity linked to sports drinks.
The most useful sports dental plan is specific to the person. It should protect the mouth without creating unnecessary restrictions and should be reviewed as the teeth, sport or training load changes.
Frequently asked questions
Is sports dentistry only for professional athletes?
No. It is relevant to anyone whose sport creates a risk of dental injury or affects their oral health, including children and recreational athletes.
How often should a sports mouthguard be replaced?
Replace it if it becomes damaged, loose or uncomfortable. Children and people having orthodontic treatment may need more frequent reviews as the mouth changes.
Can I wear a mouthguard with braces?
Yes, but it must allow for tooth movement and protect the soft tissues. Ask your dentist or orthodontic clinician which design is appropriate.
Can a mouthguard prevent every injury?
No protective device can remove all risk, but a well-fitting mouthguard can reduce the likelihood and severity of dental trauma.
Protect your smile while you train
Montagu Dental provides tailored sports dentistry advice and custom mouthguards in Marylebone. Book an assessment to discuss your sport, risk and protection needs.
