The benefits of custom mouthguards: better fit, comfort, and protection for your teeth
With another season of sports kicking off, now’s the perfect time to check if your footy boots and shorts still fit, but don’t forget to check your or your child’s mouthguard too! Wearing a mouthguard during sport helps protect your face, mouth and jaw from accidental trauma.
Do all sports require a mouthguard to be worn?
Mouthguards are compulsory for AFL, hockey, boxing, rugby union and rugby league. However, they are recommended for most other sports where there is risk of direct contact to the face such as soccer and martial arts.
In our recent Are Media Healthonomics survey we found that while 20% of respondents know that mouthguards are recommended for soccer, only 14% of those that play soccer actually wear one*.
Not all contact sports require mouthguards, but some clubs enforce strict rules to minimise the risk of dental injuries during play. These clubs implement the ‘no mouthguard, no play’ mouthguard policy, developed by the Australian Dental Association and Sports Medicine Australia.
With dental trauma rates as high as 41% in basketball^ and over a third of rugby players^ experiencing injuries, a custom-fit mouthguard is an essential protection for your smile.
Why do I need a mouthguard from the dentist?
Mouthguards from pharmacies or sports stores (‘boil and bite’ types) often feel bulky, fit poorly, and make it harder to talk. While they may be cheaper, they don’t offer the same level of protection for your only set of permanent teeth.
For the best protection, mouthguards should be custom-made and professionally fitted by your dentist. Your dentist will take an impression of your mouth to create a mouthguard that fits securely and comfortably around each tooth, providing superior protection for your smile.
What are the benefits of a custom-made mouthguard?
- Provides maximum protection by cushioning teeth, jaws and surrounding soft tissue against impact, absorbing and distributing the force of a hit to the mouth.
- Protects individual teeth and reduces the likelihood of teeth being knocked out.
- Helps prevent soft tissue injuries by covering the teeth, reducing the risk of cuts or damage to the lips, tongue, and inner cheeks.
- A comfortable custom fit helps custom mouthguards stay in place, allowing athletes to speak and breathe more easily.
- Helps lower the chance of bone fractures and concussions during impact.
Looking after your custom-made mouthguard
Rinse your mouthguard with cold water after each use and store it in the provided case, away from direct heat. Check your mouthguard regularly for signs of wear or damage to ensure it continues to provide full protection.
When does my mouthguard need replacing?
Our recent Are Media Healthonomics survey found that, 50% of respondents didn’t know a mouthguard should be replaced every 12 months or sooner if damaged*.
For children, regular fit checks are essential, especially as they lose baby teeth, gain adult teeth and their jaw structure changes. Because of this, kids often need a new mouthguard each season. Your dentist can assess your child’s mouthguard at their regular six-month check-up.
Don’t leave your teeth at risk, protect your smile this season. We’ve made it easier for you to find your nearest nib Dental for a custom mouthguard fittings. Find your nearest centre and book an appointment today.
*Are Media Healthonomics Dental Survey 2025, women aged 25-54
^Dental Traumatology – 2024 – Lima – Comparative analysis of dental trauma in contact and non‐contact sports: A systematic review. Dental Traumatology – 2020 – Tewari – Global status of knowledge for prevention and emergency management of traumatic dental injuries in sports persons and coaches: A systematic review
