Mouth Guards

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Do I really need a mouthguard?

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Anyone who plays a sport or an activity where there is a risk to your face and teeth, should wear a mouthguard to prevent any dental injuries.

 

We see too many people get treated for dental injuries which could be avoided by getting a correctly fitted custom mouthguard.

 

How does a mouthguard work?

 

Mouthguards are typically used for people playing contact sports such as Rugby. Contact sports can lead to broken teeth, dislodged teeth, broken jaws, cut lips and tongue.   A mouthguard can help reduce the impact to your teeth and jaw.

 

Mouthguards are a lot cheaper and cost effective than repairing injured teeth. Not all mouthguards are the same, so it is important to get a mouthguard fitted properly by a dentist.

 

The mouthguard should be worn any time there is any potential injury to the face, e.g. while playing any contact sport.  Common contact sports that require mouthguards are: Football, Hockey, Netball, Baseball, Rugby, Afl, League, and Skateboarding.

 

How do I get a custom mouthguard made?

 

Custom mouthguards can only be fitted by a dentist. The dentist will take an impression of your teeth, then a plaster mould is made. The plaster mould is used to make a perfectly fitting mouthguard. It will only fit you as everyone’s teeth are different.

 

When booking an appointment for a custom fitted mouthguard, let us know what the mouth guard is used for so that we can ensure you have the appropriate options for you.

 

A properly fitted mouthguard will not fall out when you open your mouth allowing you to speak. It should not restrict your breathing and be conformable to wear.  If you buy a pre-made mouthguard, they will not fit properly and typically uncomfortable to wear as they are not moulded to your mouth. Studies show that a custom built mouthguard has a better protection than an over the counter mouthguard.

 

When do I need to replace a mouthguard?

 

If your teeth change at all, such as a new tooth in a child, your teeth get pushed accidentally when you forget to wear your mouthguard, or if your mouthguard gets damaged, then you will need to look at a replacement.

 

When you have your general dental check-up, get the dentist to check your teeth to ensure your mouthguard still fits properly.

 

How to look after your mouthguard:

 

Make sure you look after your mouthguard to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Ways to look after your mouthguard include:

 

• Rinse in cold water every time you use it

• Store in the rigid container it came in

• Keep away from heat sources such as heater, hot car, fireplace as this may distort the mouthguard.

• Every now and then rinse your mouthguard in a mouth wash.