Mouthguards at play keep dental injuries at bay

Sporting accidents are one of the most common causes of dental injury. Every year thousands of people are treated for dental injuries that could have been avoided or minimised by wearing protective, custom-fitted mouthguard.

Why do I need a mouthguard?

Playing contact sport while fun, has risk attached. Dental injury such as damaged or displaced teeth, broken jaw, cuts to the lips cheek and tongue can occur while playing sport. A custom mouthguard can help absorb and spread impact which may otherwise result in dental or facial trauma.

Dental injury can mean time off is needed, they can be painful and even disfiguring, there may be extended treatment or lifelong complex and expensive dental repercussions from injury. Better to invest in a custom mouthguard (largely health fund rebate covered) than risk the higher cost of dental repair and maintenance work.

When should I wear a mouthguard?

Always wear your mouthguard when training as well as on game day to prevent dental injury. Any time there is a risk of contact you should have your mouthguard in place.  Having it in your hand or holding it between your teeth is not good enough, it needs to be properly in-situ at all times.

Sports such as rugby (all codes) martial arts and boxing, hockey, netball, baseball, water polo, basketball and even skateboarding and skiing where accidents are common, are candidates for mouthguard use.

Other mouthguard tips

• Do yourself a big favour – Invest in a custom fitted mouthguard.
• Check your mouthguard pre-season with your dentist or practitioner to ensure it’s giving you the best protection
• Replace your mouthguard annually if you are growing.
• Keep your mouthguard clean and store it in a rigid container, away from heat to ensure it maintains its shape.

Want to learn more or book a consultation? Visit our Contact Us page and complete our enquiry form or call us on 02 9389 3656, we’ll be happy to help answer your questions.