Dentures and Dentist

Mind the Ball! How Your Dentist Can Help You on the Sporting Field

21 September 2015

Julian Andrews

Do you or anyone you know play rugby, hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse, baseball, softball, soccer, netball, or any of the many sports for which it's recommended that a mouthguard is worn? Most sporting shops, pharmacies, and department stores will offer a wide range of mouthguards at a price to suit any budget, but do these generic models offer the necessary protection? Your dentist doesn't just protect your teeth against decay, they can also protect your teeth against a misaimed hockey ball. So why are generic mouthguards often a bad idea? And how can a dentist in their office protect you while you're on the sporting field?

Ready-Made Mouthguards

Less expensive mouthguards can be uncomfortable to wear and might only offer minimal protection against injury to the teeth and gums. Don't be persuaded by these ready-made mouthguards that might be endorsed by a sporting body or even a well-known sports person. This does not offer any guarantee of effectiveness. The fact that they are not made specifically for your mouth means that they can easily become loose, failing to protect your teeth and gums at the critical moment.

Partially Customisable Mouthguards

Some mouthguards seem to be of a better quality simply because they're customisable (to a certain degree). These mouthguards are made of plastic composites and the idea is that they're warmed up in hot water, making them pliable. They then take on the shape of the wearer's mouth. While more comfortable to wear than ready-made mouthguards, they still do not offer sufficient protection. The type of materials used sacrifice thickness (necessary for adequate protection) for pliability.

Dentist Made Mouthguards

While more expensive than a ready-made or a heat customisable mouthguard, a mouthguard made by a dentist like those at Southport Dental offers a far superior level of protection. They are made specifically for your mouth, with a thickness that can be lacking in ready-made or partially customisable mouthguards. These mouthguards take your particular arrangement of teeth into consideration, meaning that they offer both comfort and protection. A custom fit also means that the mouthguard will not become loose as you play sport, no matter how vigorous it might be.

Your dental insurance might offer a rebate for custom-made mouthguards. If you're interested in obtaining a custom-made mouthguard for your children, remember that it will need to be replaced as they grow. It's an additional cost, but is certainly worth it when you consider the expense of extensive dental repairs.

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