Mouth-guards for Sport

Mouth-guards for Sport

April 9, 2018

Mouth-guards protect Teeth, Gums and Jaws

Winter Sports have commenced and this should be a reminder to wear mouth-guards. Mouth-guards should be worn in most if not all sports. These include stick and ball sports, all football codes, and contact martial arts.

Sporting Injuries

The excitement of playing sport comes with the risk of injury. Injuries to the mouth occur and can be reduced with a mouth-guard. Unfortunately, a large percentage of injuries to the teeth and mouth are sport related. Mouth-guards are a protective device usually worn on the upper teeth to reduce injuries to the teeth, jaws and related soft tissues. Unfortunately only a small percentage of people wear mouth-guards while playing sport.

Mouth-guards reduce Damage

The Australian Dental Association and Sports Medicine Australia recommend professional custom fitted mouth-guards. They both support the concept of a strict “No Mouth-guard, No Play” policy in sports. Many Sports have and are taking up this recommendation.

Contact sports such as AFL and rugby have a high risk of collision with the face. Collisions still occur in the non-contact sports (hockey, cricket, soccer, and basketball). Trauma to the face is sadly a risk of many sports. The mouth-guard can absorb and distribute the force of this trauma. This will lessen the risk of trauma damaging your mouth.

Mouth-guard Quality

Mouth-guards should meet Australian guidelines (Standards Australia/ADA Inc. publication: HB 209–2003 Guidelines for the fabrication, use and maintenance of sports mouth-guards). Professional fitted mouth-guards will provide the best level of protection.

The mouth-guard works by absorbing and spreading the impact of a damaging blow. It should cover all required areas, be a suitable even thickness, fitting closely to the teeth and jaw. It is recommended that the mouth guard be about 3mm thick and made of a suitable material (most commonly EVA flexible plastic). This creates comfort, ease in talking, and breathing while still giving optimal protection. Mouth-guards supplied by Port Kennedy Dental Group meet these standards.

Mouth-guards are available in many colours and colour combinations. Mouth-guards can also have a level of protection for specific sport.

When to wear a Mouth-guard

A mouth-guard is only effective when it is in the mouth. This means wearing a mouth-guard while playing sport and training. If the mouth-guard is not in the mouth, it offers no protection.

Mouth-guard Care

Rinse your mouth (if possible) before wearing the mouth-guard. After playing sport store the mouth-guard in the supplied container. Wash the mouth-guard after each wearing in cold water. Do not store the mouth-guard in direct heat or sun.