Did you know that amongst all the dental injuries in children, it is estimated that over 25% are sports related and the majority of these involve the top front teeth?
Wearing a custom made mouthguard will minimise or prevent injuries as mouthguards cushion a blow to the face, dissipating the force of impact which minimises the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your lips, tongue, face or jaw.

When should a mouthguard be worn?

Appropriately fitted mouthguards should be worn by anyone who plays a sport with the potential of contact to the face or involving a collision such as:

– off road bike riding

– skateboarding

– rock climbing

– white water rafting

– trampolining

– boxing

– all sorts of football – soccer, rugby, league and AFL

– basketball

– squash

– hockey

– snow or water skiing

– martial arts

If you wear padding or protective gear for the rest of your body, there is a strong chance that you should be protecting your teeth and jaw too.

What are the different types of mouthguards?

The best mouthguard is the one that has been custom made by your dentist. An impression is taken of your teeth to create a model for your mouth. A mouthguard is then made which will fit well, is comfortable, and allows you to speak clearly without restricting your breathing. Most importantly, it won’t shift around in your mouth or fall out during sport.

Over the counter mouthguards (‘boil and bite’ mouthguards) do not provide sufficient protection against jaw or dental injuries. It is ill fitting much like the equivalent of a loose knee or shoulder pad which won’t protect you at the critical point of impact.

Why should I get my mouthguard from Bardon Smiles?

We have invested in a new generation German engineered pressure moulding machine with scan technology to fabricate highly accurate mouthguards. This means a precisely fitting mouthguard made in house with the added benefit of same day or next day pick up if needed. No off site laboratory costs means that the savings can be passed onto our patients making mouthguards more affordable than ever. For health fund patients, there is no gap for the mouthguard. If you aren’t in a health fund, the mouthguards range from $90 to $130.

An exciting collection of colours, patterns and thicknesses are available. Different sports involve different levels of risk and potential injury. Our dentists can help customize a mouthguard based on your activity.

How do I care for my mouthguard?

1. Rinse your mouthguard with cool water after wearing it
2. Do not use warm or hot water as it will permanently change the shape causing it to no longer fit
3. Ideally brush it with a toothbrush and hand soap. Toothpaste can be too abrasive. The same dental     plaque and debris that tends to accumulate on your teeth will build up on your mouthguard too
4. Store your mouthguard in a plastic container away from direct sunlight or a hot environment as mouthguards can distort at high temperatures
5. Soaking your mouthguard in half a denture cleansing tablet such as Steradent or Polident with 250mL of water, or homemade cleaners (such as half vinegar/half water) once a week can help to keep your mouthguard clean and fresh.
6. Keep it away from your dog as mouthguards can make for one expensive chew toy
7. All mouthguards should be routinely inspected for fit and function, ideally by your dentist.