Mouthguards -keep your own teeth!

Recently experts have been calling for mouthguards to become mandatory for Victorian students when playing contact sports.

We're not sure about that but sometimes we can just look at someone and know that a mouthguard is a really good idea!

Your children might be quite cautious and skilled in their sports but what we see is that most of the teeth injuries aren't self-inflicted and are not due to carelessness.

Remember:

• There is no "second chance" with teeth.
• You wont know that you needed a mouthguard until it is too late.

Here's how a mouthguard helps:

1. Shock absorption: A mouthguard acts as a cushion, absorbing and distributing the force of impact when your child receives a blow to the mouth. This helps to minimize the risk of injuries such as broken or chipped teeth, fractured jaws, and soft tissue damage.

2. Prevention of tooth being knocked out: The mouthguard helps to keep the teeth in place by providing a barrier between the upper and lower teeth. This reduces the likelihood of teeth being knocked out or displaced during a traumatic impact.

3. Protection against injuries to lips, gums and cheeks as well: In addition to protecting the teeth, a mouthguard also helps to protect the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other soft tissues inside the mouth from lacerations and other injuries caused by impact.

4. Reduction of concussion risk: While not its primary function, a mouthguard may also help to reduce the risk of concussion by absorbing some of the impact forces transmitted through the jaw and skull during a blow to the mouth.

It's important to note that no mouthguard can completely eliminate the risk of injury. Still, wearing a properly fitted mouthguard significantly reduces the severity and likelihood of dental injuries when accidents occur during sports or other physical activities. It's essential to ensure that your child's mouthguard fits well and is worn correctly during all relevant activities to provide the best protection possible.

The reason dentists make mouthguards is that store-bought mouthguards just cant have the same fit or protection as dentist made mouthguards. Otherwise we would happily give that advise.
Getting a mouthguard made by a dentist offers several advantages over store-bought or boil-and-bite options:

1. Custom fit: A dentist can take precise impressions of your teeth to create a mouthguard that fits your mouth perfectly. This ensures optimal comfort and protection.

2. Better protection: Custom-made mouthguards provide superior protection compared to generic options. They can absorb and distribute impact forces more effectively, reducing the risk of injury to your teeth, gums, and jaw.

3. Durability: Dentist-made mouthguards are typically made from higher quality materials that are more durable and long-lasting than over-the-counter options.

4. Tailored for specific needs: Dentists can customize mouthguards to address specific dental conditions or issues, such as bruxism (teeth grinding), TMJ disorders, or orthodontic treatment.

5. Professional guidance: Dentists have the expertise to recommend the most appropriate type of mouthguard for your specific needs and ensure proper fit and usage.

6. Comfort: Custom-made mouthguards are designed to be comfortable to wear for extended periods, making it more likely that you'll wear it consistently, especially during sports or other activities where protection is needed.

Overall, while custom-made mouthguards may have a higher upfront cost compared to store-bought options, the benefits in terms of comfort, protection, and durability often make them a worthwhile investment in your dental health and safety.