The Importance Of A Custom Made Mouthguard

Every year dentists in Australia see far too many children who have damaged or knocked out teeth because of sporting injuries. Most parents want to encourage their child to play sports as it’s a great way for them to stay fit and healthy, but a well-fitting mouthguard is every bit as essential as other protective sporting equipment.

Why Wear Mouthguard?

An unwanted blow to the mouth can cause damage to teeth, jaws and the cheeks and lips. It’s an upsetting experience for anyone, let alone a child. When a sporting injury damages a permanent tooth, it can be a costly experience, resulting in a lifetime of restorative dental bills. A mouthguard cushions the teeth and jaws, helping to absorb the impact of a blow to the mouth. It can prevent teeth from becoming damaged or knocked out entirely, and it protects the soft tissues of the mouth, including cheeks and lips from injury. However, while it’s possible to buy over-the-counter or stock mouthguards very cheaply, these offer little to no protection compared with a custom-made mouthguard. A custom-made mouthguard is a far more cost-effective solution that can save a great deal of heartache.

Why Purchase a Custom-Made Mouthguard?

A custom-made mouthguard is designed to fit precisely over your child’s teeth and offers maximum protection for their teeth and jaws. Importantly, custom-made mouthguards are comfortable to use and won’t affect your child’s breathing, so they are far more likely to use their mouthguard. We make our mouthguards from a thermoplastic material that is extremely tough and resistant to tears, and it is odour free with a neutral taste.

What Is the Process for Having a Custom-Made Mouthguard?

The process is very easy, non-invasive and entirely painless. Our dentist will take a dental impression of your child’s teeth which we use to design and fabricate their custom-made mouthguard. The mouthguard is fitted during the next visit and is ready to wear.

How to Care for a Custom Mouthguard?

Custom mouthguards must be cleaned thoroughly in cool water. The mouthguard should be stored in the perforated case provided. Make sure the mouthguard isn’t placed next to a heat source as this could distort it.

Because children’s teeth and jaws are still developing, we suggest you bring their mouthguard with them to every dental checkup so we can make sure it still fits properly and offers maximum protection. Although your child’s mouthguard will need regularly replacing as they grow, it’s a worthwhile investment in their smile.

For more information, you may reach out to any Dr Smile Family Dentist branch: