Mouthguards

What type of sports need mouthguards?

Mouthguards should be worn during training and games where there is any risk of injury to the face, with the obvious being boxing, rugby league, rugby union etc. The Australian Dental Association recommends a mouthguard even during non-contact sports such as cricket, hockey, netball, volleyball, soccer etc, as there is also a real risk of dental injury.

Types of mouthguards

Boil and bite: These are over-the-counter mouthguards that are usually self-fitted after immersing in hot water. Unfortunately, the fit is usually poor, making speech/breathing difficult and also protect the teeth adequately. The Australian Dental Association advocates that only custom-fitted mouthguards should be used.

Custom-fitted: Fabricated to fit specifically to your mouth by a dental professional, they provide the best protection. Because of their accurate fit, you can still talk comfortably, which is often important during a game.

How it works

A custom-fitted mouthguard works by a thick cushion of material which absorbs the impact of damaging blows to the face, and thus protect the lips/teeth/gums/jaw.

Our dentists/nurses first take a highly accurate mould of your teeth and gums. This is then used to fabricate a stone model that the mouthguard is made over.

How to take care of your mouthguard

After use, remember to wash it under warm soapy water before storing it in a ventilated container, in a cool area. Leaving it out in the sun/heat can cause it to distort. Make sure to also bring it in during your regular checkups to make sure it’s still well-fitting! This is especially important for kids, as growing jaws/new teeth can alter the fit significantly.