Mouthguards

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) reports that about one-third of traumatic injuries to teeth are sports-related, while the Sports Medicine Association Australia suggests that 50% of children experience some form of dental injury. Young children, in particular, frequently suffer damaged or displaced teeth, fractured jaws, and lip lacerations from braces and other teeth when participating in sports.

The good news is that custom-fitted mouthguards can prevent most dental injuries and also protect against concussions and neck injuries because they serve as shock absorbers. With a properly fitted mouthguard, the impact of any blow to the face or mouth is evenly distributed over all the teeth, and there is less of a chance that the upper and lower jaws will come into contact with one another.

Mouthguards have become standard sports gear these days, and thankfully most kids think they’re cool. If your child still isn’t sure, just show them photos of some of their favourite sports idols wearing them. That usually seals the deal.

There are a number of different types of mouthguards available:

These are softened in hot water and then placed in the mouth to conform to its shape. While they are better than no mouthguard at all, they are less effective and can become uncomfortable or loose after several wearings.

Constructed and fitted by Waverley Park Dental Care, a customised mouthguard provides the best protection for your teeth. The dentist takes an impression of your teeth and makes a plaster model to get the perfect fit. The mouthguard needs to be at least 4mm thick, with a cushioning effect that provides protection against impact. It fits snugly, so it’s still possible to talk – an important aspect during an intense match