Playing a contact sport such as rugby, AFL, hockey, or boxing can mean you are at high risk of injuring your teeth and mouth. Even other sports such as basketball, soccer, netball and skateboarding have a risk of dental injuries through accidental collisions.
Wearing a custom-made mouthguard can prevent injuries such as broken jaws, chipped or cracked teeth, teeth getting knocked out (avulsion) and soft tissue injuries, for example to the tongue and lips.
These injuries are often difficult to treat and can involve treatment and expense over the long term, which can lead to a lifetime of dental treatment.
Sports mouthguards act to absorb and spread the force of a knock to the face, which could otherwise cause serious injury to the mouth and jaws. A custom-made mouthguard from the dentist is the best chance of protecting the jaws and teeth during sports training and games.
Custom-made mouthguards offer the best protection for the teeth and mouth because they are specially designed to fit the exact shape and size of your mouth. They stay securely in place, are generally comfortable to wear and allow you to speak and breathe easily.
In comparison, store bought mouthguards, either stock or “boil and bite”, do not offer the same protection as a custom-made mouthguard. Stock mouthguards are worn as they are, are ill-fitting and not shaped to your individual teeth and gums. “Boil and bite” mouthguards are just that – they are placed in hot water then into the mouth to be moulded by yourself. This method doesn’t allow the mouthguard to be properly custom fitted to the mouth and can often lead to inconsistencies in thickness and fit. Any inconsistencies in thickness and fit can compromise protection of the teeth when playing high risk sports. Speaking and breathing can also be impeded.
Mouthguards should be worn at training as well as games. They can last several seasons for those who are no longer growing. For children who are still losing baby teeth, mouthguards can be made to accommodate growing adult teeth but may need to be changed more often until the child stops growing.
Please contact our team on 8270 2869 today for further information about mouthguards.
