Sports
Mouthguards

A custom fitted sports mouthguard will reduce the impact of a blow to the face on the teeth and facial structures, including broken jaws, fractured or knocked out teeth, nerve damage and lip lacerations. Some of these injuries can result in a lifetime of ongoing dental treatment.  A properly fitted mouthguard will allow the wearer to talk and breathe, and will be comfortable and protective. It works by absorbing and spreading the impact of a damaging blow, which will reduce the extent and severity of an injury to the teeth or jaw. The cost of an injury to the teeth or jaw far outweighs the cost of a custom fitted mouthguard.

Over the counter or ‘do it yourself boil and bite’ mouthguards offer poor protection in a high impact situation as they are invariably ill-fitting and so are not recommended. In addition, they impede the ability to talk and can dislodge more readily, which can present an airway hazard.

Care of your mouthguard

• Clean your mouthguard in soapy water (cold or lukewarm – not hot). Rinse well
• Store your mouthguard in a plastic container
• Keep your mouthguard out of direct sunlight (for example don’t store it in a car) as the heat can distort the mouthguard and it will no longer be as effective
• Don’t chew on the edges or twist it and this can alter the shape of the mouthguards and it will be less effective