Sports Mouthguards

If you are involved in any contact sport you may need to wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth from damage or from being knocked out. 

Sports like rugby, football, boxing, lacrosse, hockey, judo, karate and kick boxing can involve collisions with the chance of damaging a tooth or teeth.  This possibility can increase as the sport gets more competitive and the players older and stronger.

Why do I need to wear a mouth guard?

If you damage teeth in a sporting accident they can be lost altogether.  They are not going to grow back and so protecting them should be a priority.

Your mouth guard can also protect you from much more than just a knocked out tooth.  A good mouth guard can minimise the impact of collisions and so will also help to protect your jaw and other areas of your face.

Can I buy a mouth guard from a sports shop?

Sports shops do sell types of mouth guard which you fit yourself.  However these don’t fit very well, can be uncomfortable and do not provide the best protection.

What sort of mouth guard will I get from my dentist?

The most effective type of mouth guard is one that is made specially for you out of high quality materials. 

What is involved?

Your dentist will take an impression of your mouth. Your mouth guard is then custom made for you, by a dental technician, to ensure that it fits correctly, is comfortable, and will provide maximum protection. 

How long will my mouth guard last?

Provided that you look after your mouth guard, it should look after you.  If your mouth guard stops fitting well, becomes uncomfortable, or starts to fall out instead of fitting snugly, make an appointment to see your dentist for it to be checked.  

An adult’s mouth guard, used regularly, should last 2-3 years. However, when young people are growing and the mouth is changing because of new teeth coming through, a new mouth guard may be needed every year.