At Shine Bright Dental, we custom-make sports mouthguards for kids and adults who love their sport and want the very best protection for their teeth.
A custom mouthguard protects you from suffering a broken or knocked out tooth while playing sport. A mouthguard that has been professionally fitted to your mouth by your dentist will offer you far superior protection than a mouthguard you buy in a chemist or online.
Not only that, but a custom-fitted mouthguard for you or your children will give you the peace of mind that your family’s teeth are safe every time you engage in sport – especially where contact is involved!
When we design a custom-fitted mouthguard, we make sure it fits perfectly, and that you can breathe and speak easily during the game. The right fit is key for the mouthguard to protect you or your kid’s teeth from injury.
Custom Sports Mouthguards Reduce Serious Dental Injury
Injuries to your teeth – or your children’s teeth – can result in years of discomfort and ongoing costs. Typical injuries can include:
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Broken or fractured jaws
- Crown fractures
- Nerve damage
- Cuts to the tongue, lips and gums
- Soft tissue damage inside the mouth
- Luxation (a disruption to the muscles & bones holding a tooth in place)
Wearing a sports mouthguard can provide a level of cushioning for teeth (in the event of impact), reduce the risk of injury to the neck & jaw and minimise soft tissue damage.
It’s worth noting that the risk of mouth & teeth damage during sport is not limited to the obvious contact sports (such as boxing or football), but can also include sports which are typically classified as “non-contact” – including cricket!
According to the American Dental Association, basketball is the most notorious contact sport for dental injuries. Other sports with risk of teeth & mouth damage include :
- Netball
- Football (Rugby League, Rugby Union, AFL)
- Hockey
- Soccer
- Baseball (less popular in Australia)
- Boxing
- Martial arts
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
In 2015, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) joined forces with Sports Medicine Australia (SMA) to approve a Mouthguard Policy “that all sports clubs can sign up to“. This policy was created based on their research, which identified 53.8% of junior rugby league players on Queensland’s Gold Coast had suffered an injury to their face or mouth during sport, and over 90% of coaches reported having to handle related injuries.
Custom-Fitted Sports Mouthguards vs Over-The-Counter Sports Mouthguards
The ADA strongly recommend custom-fitted sports mouthguards be worn during games and training, where there is risk of facial contact.
A sports mouthguard from Shine Bright Dental is custom made to fit the mouth of the patient, making it unique and specific to the wearer. As a result, you or your child will benefit from vastly superior protection than a generic or “over-the-counter” mouthguard. You’ll also find that it has less impact on the your ability to talk and breathe normally, and it will generally be more comfortable to wear than the lower-priced alternatives.
According to the Mouthguard Policy, over-the-counter mouthguards “offer less protection [than custom-fitted mouthguards], can dislodge during play and are not recommended.“
So, while it may be tempting to save a few dollars by choosing an over-the-counter sports mouthguard (also commonly referred to as a “boil-&-bite” mouthguard), it is worth considering the risks associated with the lower-priced alternatives to custom-fitted sports mouthguards.
Sports Mouthguards for Kids?
The process of getting a custom-fit mouthguard can be a daunting experience for our younger patients. We take every effort to ensure each child feels comfortable, respected and relaxed, each step of the way.
You may also find it helpful to talk openly with your child about the importance of protecting their teeth, and how even famous sports stars also wear sports guards. This can help them feel more at peace beforehand, and have a more open mind before their appointment.
Shine Bright Dental has significant experience in providing Castle Hill kids with custom-fitted sports mouthguards, often resulting in feedback like this:
“Took my son for his first visit to the dentist today!! He’s only 4 and will be playing footy this year in under 6’s. He got a check up, clean and mouthguard fitted. Dr Victor was amazing with him and did a fantastic job! Highly recommended.”
– Pete Cefai, Facebook review
How Much Do Sports Mouthguards Cost?
Off-the-shelf, non-fitted sports mouthguards can vary in price, but typically cost less than $80.
Custom-fitted mouthguards are, not surprisingly, more expensive given their nature – typically between $150 and $400 in total. Some suppliers may charge up to $1,000 for a custom sports mouthguard. The cost of custom-fitted mouthguards will vary this way depending on multiple factors, including:
- The quality of materials used
- The amount of time the specialist / dentist allocates to the process (consultation, education, etc)
- Manufacturing costs, and
- The specific needs of the wearer.
It’s worth keeping in mind that, while custom-fitted sports mouthguards are more costly than their boil-&-bite alternatives, they’re truly an investment in you (or your child) because of the high costs (time, money, discomfort) associated with dental sports injuries. When compared with these costs, it becomes clear why so many Australians consider custom-fit mouthguards an affordable way to protect their family’s teeth during sports.
Ongoing Care For Your Sports Mouthguard
Fortunately, your new sports mouthguard will be very easy to maintain – simply wash it with soapy warm water, and leave it out to dry. If necessary, you can also use your toothbrush & toothpaste. In-between uses, your mouthguard can be stored in its plastic case, to keep clean and safe from damage.
It’s a good idea to check your mouthguard infrequently for any deterioration, breakages or other damage – if you encounter this, be sure to get in touch with the dentist as soon as possible.
Be mindful that mouthguards have a limited lifespan. While adults may find their mouthguards lasting for several years, children’s sports mouthguards typically last between 12 and 18 months, before needing to be replaced.
Book Your Custom-Fit Mouthguard Appointment Today!
If you or your child need assistance with a sports mouthguard, book an appointment with Shine Bright Dental. We’ll get you on the path to better teeth protection, with minimal fuss!
