Sporting accidents are one of the most common causes of dental injury. Many of the dental injuries we encounter at the surgery can be prevented or minimised by wearing a custom fitted, protective mouthguard.
Why wear a mouthguard?
Common dental injuries sustained during sport include broken or knocked out teeth, broken jaws, and cut lips. Custom fitted mouthguards help absorb and spread the impact from trauma to the face, which will help reduce or prevent injury to the mouth and jaw.
Dental injuries can be disfiguring, painful, and may involve lengthy/complex dental treatment and surgery. The cost of an injury to your teeth or jaw far exceeds the cost of a mouthguard.
Which type of mouthguard should you wear?
There are many types of mouthguard available, ranging from cheap over the counter types sold at sporting good stores and pharmacies, to professionally fitted custom -made mouthguards.
The Australian Dental Association strongly recommends wearing custom fitted mouthguards to ensure maximum protection.
Custom fitted mouthguards are made by your dentist. An impression of your teeth is taken and plaster models are created. With the models the dentist can assess the best type of mouthguard appropriate for you and your activities. Being individually made, they are comfortable, well-fitting, allow proper speech, won't fall out, and won't restrict your breathing.
Over the counter mouthguards are far less effective than those which are custom fitted. These include both stock mouthguards that don't require fitting and 'boil and bite' self fitting mouthguards.
How long does a mouthguard last?
Its important to bring your mouthguard with you when having your regular dental check-up. This is to make sure it still fits well to ensure maximum protection.
A new mouthguard may be needed if it has been damaged, or if secondary teeth have erupted in the case of children.
How do you keep your mouthguard its best?
Here are a few tips to help maintain your mouthguard :
Rinse with cold water after use, and occasionally with mouthwash.
When not in use, store in a rigid plastic container.
Keep out of direct sunlight - warmth and UV rays will change the shape and fit of the mouthguard.