Custom Mouthguards, why they’re worth it!

A mouthguard is a flexible plastic device that you place on the top arch of the mouth to protect against trauma to your teeth and gums. Wearing one is important for people who play contact sports, such as football and rugby, since these sports can lead to tooth damage without one. In fact, Sports Medicine Australia’s mouthguard policy mandates them for a number of sporting activities and the Australian Dental Association offers detailed guidelines on the selection of the best mouthguard for a number of sports.

Every year, mouthguards are thought to help save thousands of Australian children from dental trauma and this shows just how important it is to wear a custom mouthguard when playing contact sports.

When should a custom-fitted mouthguard be worn?

AFL, boxing, and rugby are the three sports where mouthguards provide obvious benefits. In sports such as these, mouthguards are a must-have item and have been mandated.

In addition, there are sports in which physical contact is less frequent, although it does occur, such as:

Custom sports mouthguards are important for a number of reasons.

A custom-fitted mouthguard offers protection for various parts of the mouth and head, but particularly the teeth:

• It cushions the jaw against impact to prevent painful dislocation or fracture of the joint.
• It protects the teeth when a heavy impact occurs and helps prevent damage such as them being broken or knocked out of the mouth.
• It can offer protection against damage to the tongue, cheeks and lips that can occur when they are forcefully pressed against the teeth.
• There is even evidence it can reduce the chances of concussion when head trauma occurs

Where can I go for a custom-fitted mouthguard?

To have a mouthguard custom-made and fitted, you should visit your local dentist. At Eagleby Dental, we’ll make an impression of your upper teeth to create a mouthguard that fits your mouth perfectly.

Once you have your custom mouthguard, you should have it reviewed at the dentist every 6-12 months. This way you can be confident that it will offer adequate protection each time you use it.

Custom mouthguard Vs Store-bought mouthguard

A custom mouthguard is designed specifically for an individual’s mouth anatomy. This means that it will fit snugly and will be more comfortable to wear than a store-bought mouthguard. A custom mouthguard is less likely to be dislodged while playing and will also provide better protection for the teeth and jaw than a store-bought mouthguard can.

Another big disadvantage of choosing a stock mouthguard is that its inferior fit may significantly impair your speech while wearing it. This can be a problem, particularly for participants in team sports who need to communicate with their teammates, but also for individual sports at times when you need to speak to your opponent or a referee, for example.

What’s the best way to clean your mouthguard?

Rinse your mouthguard under cold water after every use. It should then be dried thoroughly with a paper towel or cloth to prevent bacteria from growing on it. Store it in the container it came with to keep it out of the air where things like dust and debris could get into the mouthguard. You should store your mouthguard in a cool, dry place as high temperatures can cause them to warp and change shape.

Conclusion

A mouthguard can be very effective in ensuring your safety while engaging in a variety of activities. However, not all mouthguards are created equal, and you should always opt for a custom-fitted device rather than a stock one so you can get the most protection possible.

In comparison to the costs associated with repairing damage to teeth and the mouth, getting a custom-fitted mouthguard is very affordable. It’s never wise to take a gamble with your safety, particularly where children and young people are concerned. Get in touch with Eagleby Dental today and book an appointment to have your custom mouthguard fitted.