Mouthguards in Sport: Dental Injuries Prevention Tips
Playing sports is an excellent way to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, but you risk serious dental injuries without a sports mouthguard.
A split-second impact can result in broken teeth, jaw fractures, or even tooth loss, leading to painful and costly dental procedures.
Many of these injuries are entirely preventable with the simple use of a well-fitted sports mouthguard.
Why Are Mouthguards Essential in Sports?
Statistics show that only 36% of children ages 5-17 wear a mouthguard during sports games. Yet, sporting accidents are one of the major causes of dental emergencies.
A mouthguard serves as a barrier to keep your teeth safe from harm. It absorbs shock and disperses the force of a blow, reducing the risk of serious injuries to your teeth, lips, tongue, and jaw.
Regardless of whether you are a professional athlete or an amateur, wearing a mouthguard should be as essential as wearing a helmet or protective pads.
5 Good Reasons to Wear a Sports Mouthguard
- Cushions teeth from strong impact – Reduces the risk of cracked, chipped, or knocked-out teeth.
- Protects against jaw joint damage – Helps prevent fractures and joint displacement.
- Defends against soft tissue injuries – Shields lips, cheeks, and tongue from cuts and bruises.
- Helps avoid neck and jaw injuries – Absorbs force to minimise trauma to the head and jaw.
- It may help reduce concussion–lessening the impact on the skull and reducing the severity of head injuries.
Sports That Require Mouthguards
Mouthguards are vital in any sport where contact with other players, equipment, or hard surfaces is likely. Some of the most common sports that put athletes at risk of dental injuries include:
- Contact Sports – Football, rugby, hockey, and boxing require mouthguards due to the high likelihood of collisions and direct impacts to the face.
- Court and Field Sports – Basketball, netball, soccer, and baseball involve frequent physical contact and accidental elbow or ball strikes.
- Extreme and High-Speed Sports, such as Skateboarding, cycling, skiing, and martial arts, can result in unexpected falls that may damage teeth and jaws.
Types of Mouthguards
A mouthguard’s choice can significantly impact both protection and comfort. The three primary kinds of mouthguards that are available are as follows:
Stock Mouthguards
These are pre-formed and ready to wear. They are inexpensive but often bulky and ill-fitting, making breathing and speaking difficult.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
These can be shaped to fit your teeth after being softened in hot water. Though they might not offer the optimum protection, they fit better than stock mouthguards.
Custom-Fitted Mouthguards
Made by a dentist, these offer the best fit, comfort, and protection. They also absorb more stress and are made especially for teeth.
A Custom-Fitted Mouthguard Should Be:
- Comfortable – Designed to fit snugly without irritation.
- Well-fitting – Stays in place without shifting or falling out.
- Allows clear speech – Does not interfere with talking or breathing.
- Secure – Provides optimal protection without feeling bulky.
To guarantee optimal protection, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) highly advises investing in a mouthguard custom-fitted by your dentist.
How Mouthguards Prevent Dental Injuries
Using a mouthguard greatly lowers the chance of:
- Tooth Fractures and Breakages – A direct blow to the mouth can crack or break teeth, requiring complex restorative procedures such as crowns or implants.
- Tooth Loss – A knocked-out tooth is an oral emergency that must be treated immediately to preserve the tooth or look into replacing it.
- Jaw Injuries – Mouthguards help cushion the jaw, reducing the risk of fractures or dislocations caused by impact.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – Biting down during effects can cause severe cuts to the lips, tongue, and cheeks. A mouthguard serves as a barrier to stop these injuries.
Caring for Your Mouthguard
To ensure your mouthguard remains practical and hygienic, follow these care tips:
- Rinse it with cold water or mouthwash before and after each use.
- To stop bacteria from growing, keep it in a container with ventilation.
- Heat can distort its shape, so keep it away from extreme heat.
- Check for wear regularly, and replace it if it gets loose or broken.
Make Mouthguards a Habit
Many athletes hesitate to wear mouthguards due to discomfort or inconvenience, but consistent use is key to preventing injuries. Coaches, parents, and sports organisations should emphasise the importance of mouthguards, ensuring young athletes develop safe habits from an early age.
Protect Your Smile with Sports Mouthguard in Bondi
If you or your child play sports, investing in a high-quality mouthguard is a small step that can prevent major dental issues. At Bondi Dental, we offer custom-fitted mouthguards designed for maximum comfort and protection.
Don’t wait until an injury happens—take action today.
Call your Bondi dentist on (02) 9365 7187 or book your appointment online.
Visit us at 134 Curlewis St in Bondi Beach.