Normally, various parts of the body are protected with padding or guards, but on occasion, the mouth is overlooked. Therefore, to help avoid major damage to the mouth, our dentists at Ashton Avenue highly recommend mouthguards. Around one-third of traumatic injuries to teeth are sports-related. The Sports Medicine Association Australia (SMA) reports that approximately 50% of children experience some form of dental injury.
Custom fitted sports mouthguards also offer a better fit than off-the-shelf options. Generic mouthguards may not fit securely in the mouth, which can cause them to move around during play. We know that mouth guards provide protection for your teeth and mouth while playing sports, but how?
A custom fitted mouthguard from Ashton Avenue Dental Practice is a better option than an over-the-counter mouthguard as it is specifically fitted to your teeth and contours the soft tissue of your mouth. The custom fit makes them more comfortable, secure and better at absorbing impact. This will also enable better speech and normal breathing during wear. Custom-fitted mouthguards can last multiple sporting seasons, with proper care and storage. Discuss mouthguard prices with your dentist to find out how you can invest in your child’s or your dental health and protection.
Chemist and sports-store bought mouthguards may seem like a convenient option, but often fall short in terms of providing adequate protection for your teeth and gums. Stock mouthguards, as an example, are nothing more than generic plastic guards that do not take into account your unique mouth shape and characteristics. There are alternative options, such as the DIY ‘boil and bite’ sports mouthguards, which may seem like a better solution however they can lead to uneven protection and incorrect fit.
A mouthguard is most often used to prevent injury in contact sports, but is also used for treatment for bruxism or Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ).
Stock mouth guards -these are a bulky gutter of rigid plastic available from pharmacies and sports stores. They are very uncomfortable, interfere with speech and breathing and because they are not firmly secured offer a false sense of protection.
Boil and Bite mouth guards – Pharmacies and sports stores also sell “boil and bite” mouth guards. They are made from a thermoplastic material which is softened in hot water and then placed in the mouth to mould to the teeth as the guard is bitten. Like stock guards, they are cheap but never fit well and their shape easily deforms. They can be uncomfortable, impair breathing and speech, offer limited protection and can be an airway hazard.
Custom fitted mouth guards – These are made by a dental professional using an impression of the teeth from special shock-absorbing plastic. A custom-fitted mouthguard fits a person’s mouth perfectly. The accurate fit and control of the thickness maximise the shock-absorbing effect. They fit comfortably and won’t interfere with breathing.
