If you or your family play sports, you may have spent a lot of money on protective gear like a helmet or shinguards, but have you thought about dental injuries? Unfortunately, dentists see thousands of injuries to teeth, gums and jaws every year, which are sustained while playing sports like football or hockey, or any activities with a risk of a blow to the mouth.
These injuries can be upsetting and painful, chipping or cracking teeth or knocking them out entirely, or damaging the jaws or soft tissues in the mouth. Often, the impact could have been minimised or avoided entirely with a well-fitting mouthguard. Additionally, the cost of restorative dentistry can run into hundreds or thousands of dollars, especially over a lifetime.
In contrast, a well-fitted custom-made mouthguard can help protect your teeth against physical trauma and prevent injuries to your jaw by absorbing some of the shock of the impact. This can also help reduce the risk of a jaw becoming fractured or dislocated. Another benefit is to help prevent lacerations inside your mouth. There is always a risk of biting through your tongue or the inside of your cheek or lip. A mouthguard provides an extra layer of protection between your teeth, lips and gums and helps protect you against any foreign objects that could enter your mouth while you play sports.
Why Choose a Custom-Fitted Mouthguard?
It is possible to buy an over-the-counter mouthguard very cheaply, but these can be a false economy offering very limited protection at best. These mouthguards are often so uncomfortable to wear that they remain unused, leaving your teeth and jaws at risk of injury. In contrast, our dental practice can make you a custom-fitted mouthguard that offers some significant benefits.
Firstly, it is made to fit your mouth exactly, covering your teeth and gums and providing maximum protection. We can ensure it is thickened in critical areas and, importantly, comfortable to wear. Unlike an over-the-counter mouthguard that can inhibit breathing or, even worse, fall out, a custom-made mouthguard will remain securely in your mouth and will not hinder breathing, allowing you to enjoy playing sports. Our mouthguards are made from a tough, thermoplastic material with a neutral taste. They are constructed using a model of your mouth for a precision fit. They come in a range of colours, so you can even choose a colour to support your favourite team.
Caring for Your Mouthguard
Once you have your custom mouthguard, we recommend you bring it to every checkup so we can make sure it still fits well, offers maximum protection, and doesn’t have any rips or tears. It is especially important that we check the fit of a child’s mouthguard because their teeth and jaws are still growing and developing, and children will need to have their mouthguard remade more frequently than adults. When you use your mouthguard, clean it thoroughly afterwards, washing it carefully and rinsing it in cool water. Your mouthguard should be stored in the container provided. Store it away from any direct heat, as this could distort it.