Your best defence on a sports field is a custom-made mouthguard
Six compelling reasons to wear a custom-made mouthguard for sports
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a competitive athlete, protecting your teeth while playing sports is one of the best moves you can make. Investing in a custom-made mouthguard fitted by your nib Dental Care dentist offers superior protection and a range of benefits that go far beyond basic dental damage prevention. While generic mouthguards are readily available at sporting goods stores and chemists, they really don’t compare.
For any adult or child who plays regular contact sport, you only need to witness an accidental elbow or a stray hit ball to the mouth once to fully understand why a custom-made mouthguard is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your sporting kit. Many seasons later there is still talk about that one hockey game where 20-minutes was spent searching through chunks of turf for two of Hannah’s missing teeth. No one remembers whether the team won or lost, or what the final score was, but everyone remembers Hannah’s painful dental journey for the next nine months.
It’s all fun and games until someone loses a tooth. Okay, so that’s not exactly how that old saying goes, but you get the point we are making.
Here are six compelling reasons why every person playing sports should seriously consider a custom-made mouthguard.
1. Ultimate defence against dental injuries
A custom-made mouthguard provides significantly better protection than an over the counter one-size fits all guard. Dental injuries from sports activities can be devastating, ranging from chipped or cracked teeth to complete tooth loss, broken jaws and soft tissue damage.
A custom mouthguard is designed specifically for your unique dental anatomy, ensuring comprehensive coverage and proper shock absorption exactly where you need it most.
The statistics are sobering; athletes who don’t wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer a dental injury. A sporting accident resulting in tooth loss can end up costing you thousands of dollars in treatment, not to mention the pain, inconvenience and potential for permanent damage.
2. Match fit for comfort
One of the main reasons that Aussie sports participants skip wearing mouthguards is that they can be uncomfortable. Those generic “boil-and-bite” mouthguards that your parents bought you before your first under 12’s game often felt ‘wrong’ in your mouth, slipped around while running and calling out to your teammates, or simply didn’t fit properly.
Custom-made mouthguards are created from precise impressions of your teeth, ensuring a snug, comfortable fit that won’t interfere with your performance and, more importantly, comfort.
This proper fit means you can breathe easily, speak clearly and focus on your game rather than spending half the time adjusting an ill-fitting mouthguard. When your mouthguard is comfortable, you’re far more likely to wear it consistently, providing reliable protection every time you play or participate.
3. Better breathing for athletic performance
Believe it or not, a properly fitted custom mouthguard can not only improve your breathing, but your athletic performance as well. Research suggests that correct jaw alignment can enhance strength, balance and endurance.
When your jaw is properly positioned, it can reduce muscle tension throughout your neck and shoulders, allowing for better oxygen flow and reduced fatigue.
Many professional athletes credit their custom mouthguards with giving them a competitive edge. When you’re not distracted by an uncomfortable mouthguard or worried about dental injury, you can concentrate fully on your performance.
4. Kicking goals beyond teeth protection
Custom mouthguards don’t just protect your teeth, they also safeguard your entire mouth area, including your lips, tongue, cheeks and jaw.
They also help provide crucial protection against concussions by cushioning blows to the jaw and reducing the transmission of force to the skull and brain.
5. Durability and value that can last all season
While custom mouthguards have a higher out of pocket cost than store-bought versions, they can be a wise investment.
Made from high-quality, medical-grade materials, custom mouthguards are more durable and longer-lasting. They maintain their shape and protective properties through regular use and proper care, whereas generic mouthguards often need to be replaced frequently.
When you consider the potential cost of dental repairs, implants, or orthodontic work, a custom mouthguard can be remarkably cost-effective. It’s an investment in prevention that can help save you money and dental pain.
6. Professional customisation one game at a time
Different sports in Australia present different risks. Your dentist can customise your mouthguard based on the specific demands and physical impact levels of your chosen sport. They can also adjust the thickness in high-impact areas and accommodate any dental work you may already have, such as braces or bridges.
One other point that seems to slip most player’s minds is that it’s a good idea to wear your mouthguard at practice and in pre-game warms ups. You might be surprised how many dental accidents happen in a non-game situation.
List of Aussie contact sports that call for a custom-made mouthguard:
- Australian Rules Football (AFL)
- Rugby (Union and League)
- Netball
- Hockey
- Boxing and wrestling
- Martial arts
- Basketball
- Cricket, especially the wicket keeper
Schedule an appointment with your nib Dental Care dentist to discuss a custom-made mouthguard tailored to your sporting needs. Your teeth are irreplaceable, protect them with equipment that’s as serious about your sport as you are.
At nib Dental most dentists are available for appointments six days a week, with many of our clinics open Sundays, evenings and public holidays. Book now to discuss a custom-made mouthguard for you or a family member.
