PROTECT YOUR SMILE: Why custom- made mouthguards are better

Sport is back! Wahoo!

With the latest easement of restrictions, local sport is returning to the field. Now is the time to make sure that you and your family are sport ready with custom made mouthguards.

If you are in danger of experiencing a dental injury through high-impact sports and don’t use any protection, you’re leaving yourself open to painful and costly dental work. Damaged teeth also have the potential to lead to a host of other health related problems.

According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), approximately one-third of traumatic injuries to teeth are sports-related. Sports Medicine Association Australia suggests that 50% of children experience some form of dental injury.

The good news is that injuries can often be prevented by using a custom-fitted mouthguard every time you play or train.

WHAT IS A MOUTHGUARD?

A mouthguard is a thick, often spongy shield that fits over your teeth. Mouthguards are usually worn during sports and other activities that involve a high risk of impact to the face.

They can be helpful outside of sports too. For instance, you might need to use a specialised mouthguard for jaw issues or teeth grinding. Dentists sometimes use special types of mouthguards to help treat grinding, snoring or sleep apnoea as well.

WHAT DOES A MOUTHGUARD DO?

A mouthguard provides a defensive wall to keep your teeth, soft tissue, and jaw safe. If you experience a traumatic blow to your jaw area, a mouthguard helps to dissipate the force over a larger surface area, as well as absorbing some of the energy.

Good quality, custom made sports mouthguards can minimise the risk of your teeth getting chipped, broken, or even dislodged completely.

A CUSTOM MADE SPORTS MOUTHGUARD CAN PROTECT YOU BY:

  • Cushioning your teeth against impact
  • Protecting against jaw joint and soft tissue injuries
  • Preventing neck and jaw injuries
  • Reducing concussion

WHEN SHOULD A MOUTHGUARD BE WORN?

Whenever there’s a chance that your jaw might come into contact with other players, hard surfaces, or sports equipment, you should be wearing a mouthguard for protection. Accidents that happen while participating in sports are one of the biggest causes of dental injury, especially in children. Chipped teeth, knocked out teeth, and jaw injuries are just some of the problems that can be avoided by using a good quality custom made mouthguard.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A MOUTHGUARD?

A good quality mouthguard is one that allows you to speak and breathe easily, stays in place throughout the action, is comfortable and fits well, is easy to keep clean, is tear resistant and is tasteless. You want to make sure your mouthguard has all these elements to make sure you’ve got the best possible protection with comfort. Our professional and experienced team can assist you with getting the perfect fit to suit your mouth.

CUSTOM-FITTED MOUTHGUARDS VS OFF THE SHELF MOUTHGUARDS

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommends using custom-fitted mouthguards to protect your teeth during sports or extreme activities. The ideal mouthguard is one that has been fitted and custom-made for your mouth. The better your mouthguard fits, the better coverage and protection it gives you.

Custom- made mouthguards need to be regularly checked (once every year) to make sure they still fit correctly and are giving your teeth maximum protection. Your teeth are growing and jaw is changing each year so your mouthguard may need to be adapted or replaced to ensure adequate protection. Any damage can cause you to experience pain and discomfort and the mouthguard will be less able to absorb any impact to your face.

Proudly supporting Kincumber Colts

We love supporting local sports and are thrilled to be supporting the Kincumber Colts

Our commitment to helping the community and protecting and caring for Coasties smiles is our top priority.

GET YOUR OWN CUSTOM MADE MOUTH GUARD!

Get sport ready and protect your smile while playing the sport that you love.

Contact our friendly team today!

 

Resources:

https://www.ada.org.au/