Beyond the "Boil-and-Bite": Why Baltimore Athletes Need Custom Dental Protection

April marks the peak of spring sports season in Maryland, with athletes across Windsor Mill and Catonsville taking the field for lacrosse, soccer, and baseball. With increased activity comes increased risk—especially when it comes to dental injuries that are often preventable with the right protection.

The Problem with Over-the-Counter Mouthguards

Many athletes rely on store-bought “boil-and-bite” mouthguards, but these options come with significant drawbacks:

• Bulky design that makes breathing and speaking difficult
• Poor fit that can shift or fall out during play
• Limited shock absorption during impact
• Lower compliance—kids are less likely to wear them consistently

Because they aren’t tailored to the athlete’s mouth, these guards often fail when protection is needed most.

The Custom Mouthguard Advantage

Custom mouthguards from Dr. Byron Desbordes, DDS are designed specifically for your child’s teeth, offering a higher level of protection, comfort, and performance.

Precision Fit

Each guard is created using detailed impressions or digital scans to match the exact anatomy of the teeth. This ensures:

• A secure fit that stays in place during collisions
• Comfortable wear without interfering with breathing
• Better communication on the field

Explore more about custom options on our mouthguards page.

Impact Protection & Concussion Consideration

A properly fitted mouthguard does more than protect teeth—it helps absorb and distribute the force of impact.

This can:

• Reduce the risk of chipped or broken teeth
• Help protect against jaw fractures
• Potentially reduce the severity of impacts linked to concussions

While no mouthguard can fully prevent concussions, proper fit plays a critical role in overall protection.

A Smart Investment in Your Child’s Health

Dental injuries in sports can be serious and costly. A knocked-out tooth often requires long-term treatment, such as a dental implant—a significantly higher investment than prevention.

Custom mouthguards offer:

• Long-term protection
• Better durability than store-bought options
• Peace of mind for parents and athletes

You can also review what to expect during your visit on our patient information page.

Protect Your Athlete This Season

As spring sports ramp up across Windsor Mill and Catonsville, now is the time to make sure your child is properly protected.

A custom mouthguard is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent serious dental injuries.

Call (410) 277-0138 today to schedule a custom mouthguard fitting for your student-athlete.