For many families in Birkdale, sport is a regular part of the week. Whether your child plays rugby, soccer or basketball, or you enjoy getting involved in contact or recreational sports yourself, protecting your teeth should be part of your sporting routine.
A mouthguard is designed to help protect the teeth, gums and jaw from injury during activities where there is a risk of impact. The Australian Dental Association recommends mouthguards for children and adults participating in sports where there is a risk of injury to the mouth or face.
Why are mouthguards important?
A knock to the face during sport can cause a range of dental injuries, including chipped, cracked or knocked-out teeth, as well as injuries to the lips, tongue and jaw.
Some injuries can require ongoing dental care, so taking steps to reduce the risk can be worthwhile. A mouthguard works by helping to absorb and spread the force of an impact before it reaches the teeth and surrounding tissues.
It is also important to remember that dental injuries are not limited to traditional contact sports. Activities such as basketball, netball, soccer, skateboarding and cricket can also involve falls, collisions or impacts that may affect the mouth.
Do children need to wear mouthguards?
Yes. Children and teenagers can benefit from wearing a mouthguard when participating in sports where there is a risk of dental injury.
For children, protecting the developing teeth is particularly important. The Australian Dental Association recommends that children begin wearing a custom-made mouthguard when they start participating in organised contact sport.
Children’s mouths also change as they grow and their adult teeth develop. This means their mouthguard should be checked regularly to make sure it continues to fit appropriately. A mouthguard that becomes damaged, uncomfortable or no longer fits correctly may need to be replaced.
What about adults?
Mouthguards aren’t just for children.
Adults can also experience dental injuries during sport, whether they are playing competitively, training during the week or participating casually with friends.
If you play a sport where there is a risk of contact, collision or falling onto a hard surface, wearing a mouthguard can form an important part of your protective equipment.
This applies whether you’re a regular weekend player or an experienced athlete. The Australian Dental Association Queensland recommends mouthguard use across different ages and skill levels, including during both training and games.
Are custom-made mouthguards better?
There are several types of mouthguards available, including stock mouthguards and ‘boil-and-bite’ options purchased from shops and pharmacies.
A custom-made mouthguard is made specifically for your mouth by a dental professional. Because it is designed to fit your teeth and gums, it can provide a more comfortable and secure fit than many store-bought alternatives. A properly fitted mouthguard can also make it easier to speak and breathe while wearing it.
For children, a dentist can also assess whether the mouthguard continues to fit as their teeth and mouth develop.
When should a mouthguard be worn?
A mouthguard should be worn whenever you are participating in an activity where there is a risk of injury to the mouth.
This includes both training sessions and games. An injury can happen during practice just as easily as it can during competition, so leaving your mouthguard in your sports bag on training days means your teeth aren’t protected when you need it.
Some sporting clubs also have a ‘no mouthguard, no play’ policy to encourage players to use appropriate protection.
How do you look after a mouthguard?
Taking care of your mouthguard can help keep it clean and in good condition.
After use, rinse it with cool or warm water and allow it to dry before placing it in a protective case. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or hot water, as heat can affect its shape.
It is also a good idea to have your mouthguard checked by your dentist if it becomes damaged, loose or uncomfortable. Children may need their mouthguards replaced more frequently as their teeth and jaws develop.
Protect your smile on and off the field
A mouthguard is a simple piece of protective equipment that can help reduce the risk of dental injuries during sport. This is relevant for children, teenagers and adults alike.
If you or your child plays sport in Birkdale or the surrounding Redlands area, speak with your dentist about whether a custom-made mouthguard is suitable. Your dentist can assess your individual needs and help ensure the mouthguard fits appropriately.
For more information about mouthguards and protecting your teeth during sport, speak with the team at Wellington Point Dental.
This information is general in nature and does not replace an individual dental assessment. Mouthguard requirements can vary depending on the person, their teeth and the activities they participate in.
