Getting active is amazing for our physical health, and we don’t need to be told twice here in Australia. Adults and kids alike across the country are involved in a huge variety of activities, whether just for fun or professionally.
However, while your fitness levels will thank you for it, sometimes these sports carry risk. Injuries to your mouth could put you off your game for months, literally. Mouthguards should be used as your first line of defence when involved in contact sports or any sport carrying risk.
Let smilogy explain more…
why are mouthguards necessary?
Mouthguards are an essential piece of protection for you or your child if you play sports. They help prevent dental trauma to the teeth, mouth, gum, cheeks, and jaw. Dental injuries can range from cracked or knocked out teeth to broken bones, cuts, nerve damage and more.
As you might imagine, injuries like that are simply no fun. They can lead to a lifetime of dental trauma, and with that, a burning hole in your pocket.
That sounds scary, but thankfully, it’s often avoidable. Not enough people wear them, but they can help lower the risk of pain and trauma.
who needs a mouthguard?
Athletes of all ages, abilities and genders could be at risk when playing contact sports. In fact, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you should wear one even when there’s just a chance of collision. They want you to consider it mandatory, and so do smilogy.
Some key sports where you should consider wearing one include:
- Rugby league
- Rugby union
- Hockey
- Boxing
- Martial arts
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Water polo
- Netball
- Baseball
- Gymnastics
- Skateboarding
not all mouthguards are equal
There are three different types of mouthguard. One is simply called a “stock” mouthguard, meaning that it’s one-size-fits-all. It isn’t designed with you in mind, so it may not fit well or protect you properly.
Next, there’s boil and bite mouthguards. These involve messy at-home moulding kits, which are often tricky to get right. They can become loose, lodge in the back of your throat and become a choking hazard. Both these and stock mouthguards are not recommended, so don’t take your chances. We compare them in more detail in custom vs boil and bite mouthguards.
Finally, there are custom mouthguards. These are the type recommended by the ADA, and they’re made by dental professionals – yep, that’s us.
what’s better about a custom mouthguard?
Custom mouthguards fit to the contours of your mouth because they’re made from a precise impression of it. At smilogy, we use a 3D scanner to get to know the ins and outs of your mouth so you can get a close, comfortable fit.
When mouthguards fit well, they offer better impact protection. They’re more comfortable, they’re less likely to move around, and they’re less likely to affect breathing. They’re designed to balance your bite so that any force upon contact is spread more evenly.
In addition to a personalised bite, you’ll be able to make your mouthguard your own. They’re fully customisable with your team colours and designs, and we can even print your name or phone number in case it gets lost.
For a small investment, you get a big reward. Providing you store it properly, keep it clean and don’t let it melt in the sun, you can use your mouthguard again and again.
order your mouthguard
smilogy offers custom-fit mouthguards in line with the recommendations of the Australian Dental Association. They’re tailored to your smile so that you can stay in the game.
Come in for a quick and easy 3D scan: book a scan at our edgecliff or castle hill clinic, or buy your mouthguard online.
