Do you have a passion for playing sports?
Unfortunately, collisions and falls on the sports field are all too common. It’s essential to protect your pearly whites from the ever-present dangers of damage.
A mouthguard is a great tool for protecting your teeth and maintaining your dental health.
A well-made and correctly fitted, sporting mouthguard acts as a shield for your teeth. If you were to take a hit to your face, your mouthguard would help to protect your mouth, teeth, and jaws from injury.
At Lillybrook Dental we can advise on the best mouthguard for you and help you fit it. We take a collaborative approach to dental assessment, prevention, education, and treatment, working with you to find the best option to suit your needs.
If you think you might need a mouthguard, read on.
Here we discuss why mouthguards are important, which is right for you, how to care for them, and how Lillybrook Dental can help.
Why are mouthguards important?
Unfortunately, sporting injuries to the face, mouth, teeth, and jaw are common.
Mouthguards help to reduce the risk of damage from sporting contact injuries.
The Australian Dental Association lists several benefits of wearing mouthguards including:
- Reducing the risk of injury to your teeth and jaw, including fractures, loosening, knocked out, or cracked teeth.
- Protecting against cuts to your gums, or tongue.
- Decreasing the risk of damage to the joint connecting your jawbone to your skull.
In sports, a well-made and correctly fitted mouthguard protects you if you suffer a knock to your face by absorbing and spreading the impact.
Which mouthguard’s right for you?
There are three different types of mouthguards:
- Stock mouthguards- These come pre-formed meaning they’re ready to use straight out of the packet. While there are easily accessible (available at most sporting stores) and often the cheapest option, they may not fit perfectly. If your mouthguard isn’t perfectly fitted, not only does it not offer much protection, but it can also be uncomfortable, and for some, it may affect their ability to speak or breathe.
- Mouth-formed mouthguards- Also known as boil-and-bite, these mouthguards can be formed to the shape of your mouth by softening them in boiling water and then moulding them to your teeth. They may be a little more expensive than stock mouthguards, but they offer better protection as they are better fitted to you.
- Custom-made- These guards provide the best protection and comfort as they are made to perfectly fit you, using a mould of your teeth and gums. When cared for appropriately, these are also the most durable mouthguards available.
If you need a sports mouthguard, in some cases a stock or a mouth-formed mouthguard might work. If your sport involves high impact, a mouth-formed guard is preferred as the better fit helps it stay in place. You can visit us at Lillybrook Dental for a custom-made mouthguard. You’ll guard a well-fitted guard that stays in place, without causing discomfort or affecting your breathing.
How do you take care of them?
Taking good care of your mouthguard is important for keeping it in good condition.
Always make sure you check and clean your mouthguard after every use.! Lots of bacteria live in your mouth so you need to keep your guard clean, don’t just leave it in your gym bag. Remember:
- After every use, rinse your mouthguard with cool water (don’t use hot).
- Give your mouthguard a brush with a toothbrush and toothpaste then rinse thoroughly.
Store your mouthguard in a dry well-ventilated case (away from direct sunlight) to prevent the build-up of bacteria. - Check your mouthguard often for signs of wear and tear. Replace it if it’s damaged or stops fitting well.
- Always remember to bring your mouthguard in after your game. If it’s left in the car or out in the sun, the heat could cause its shape to change, making it useless.
How can Lillybrook help?
Still have questions about mouthguards?
At Lillybrook Dental our top priority is protecting your beautiful smile. We’ll give you a hand to find the best mouthguard for you and help you get the correct fit.
We strive to be warm, welcoming, and supportive, providing education and raising awareness at every step of your dental journey.
Wherever you are on your journey, we’ll meet you there.
Contact our team at Lillybrook Dental to discuss your mouthguard options today.
We’d love to see you.
*All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Lillybrook Dental can consult with you regarding your individual health needs.
References
Australian Dental Association. (2022). Guidelines for the Fabrication, Use, and Maintenance of
Sports Mouthguards. 5th Ed. https://www.ada.org.au/Professional-Information/ADA-Guidelines-for-Practice/Mouthguard-Fabrication/Download-Mouthguards-Fabrication,-Use,-Maint/ADA_MouthguardFabrication_V2.aspx
Teeth. (2023). Sports Mouthguards. www.teeth.org.au/sports-mouthguards
