“The Academy for Sports Dentistry recommends the use of a properly fitted mouthguard. It encourages the use of a custom fabricated mouthguard made over a dental cast and delivered under the supervision of a dentist.”

Without a mouthguard, you risk far more than just chipping a tooth. You could damage…

Teeth
Gum tissue
Supporting bone structure

Not only do you need a mouthguard, but you need your own mouthguard, custom made by your dentist. Here are just a few of the benefits to a custom mouthguard made to fit your teeth and ONLY YOUR TEETH:

The fit is precise, with very little distortion, and also covers teeth at the back of your mouth.
Custom mouthguards have the greatest durability and allow you to sustain the hardest impacts with lower risk of damage, and they’ll be the most comfortable for you.
Your mouthguard will fit snugly, protecting your teeth, gum tissue and supporting bone, and won’t fall out.
Your dentist can ensure that your mouthguard is the correct thickness, unlike “boil-and-bite” products off the shelf.
There is almost no interference with speech or breathing.

Don’t want to bother with a custom mouthguard? Think about the drawbacks of off-the-shelf mouthguards before finalizing your decision:

The fit is not exact and not as comfortable.
The material used is normally thinner than is recommended to provide the best protection.
Off-the-shelf products offer minimal protection for the gums and supporting bone.
They often fall out and can become lodged in your throat.
Non-custom products are less durable.