Mouthguards

The importance of wearing mouthguards during sport

Mouthguards are the best protection for your teeth if you play any contact sport. They absorb the shock following trauma to the face or mouth, and:

• Help reduce the chance of a concussion
• Protect jaw joints and soft tissues
• Cushion teeth against impact
• Help prevent injuries to your jaw and neck.

Without a mouthguard, your teeth can:

• Chip
• Fracture
• Get knocked out
• Cut your lips and gums.

Custom-fitted mouthguards provide the best protection for your teeth

• Fit properly
• Comfortable to wear
• Provide optimal protection
• Won’t shift or fall out
• Allows you to speak clearly
• Won’t restrict your breathing.

Are over-the-counter mouthguards OK to use?

Over-the-counter mouthguards are generally poorly fitted, provide minimal protection and may affect your speech, breathing and swallowing.

How custom-fitted mouthguards are made

Your Health Partners Dentist will:

1. Examine your teeth.
2. Take impressions of your upper and lower teeth.
3. A week later, book a follow-up, and check your mouthguard fits correctly.

How to clean your mouthguard

• Rinse your mouthguard before and after use, every night.
• Wash it only with soap and in cold or lukewarm water.
• Clean the inner surface with a soft toothbrush or nailbrush after wear.
• Store in a clean, rigid and ventilated plastic container.
• Keep it away from sunlight and heat to ensure it doesn’t lose shape.
• At your regular dental check-ups, ask your dentist to check your mouthguard for any signs of wear and tear.

Can you wear a mouthguard with braces?

It’s almost more important that a person with braces wears a mouthguard while playing sport. If they’re involved in a collision, braces can be expensive and painful to repair.