Mouthguards

It is important to wear a professionally made mouthguard whenever you play sport that involves physical contact or moving objects. This includes: cricket, hockey, football, rugby, boxing etc which can all cause broken and damaged teeth as well as dislocated jaws.

A mouthguard is a specially made rubber-like cover which fits exactly over the upper teeth and gums, cushioning them and protecting them from damage.

It is made by the dentist taking an accurate impression of your mouth which is sent off to a dental technician for him to make the mouthguard which will fit over you teeth. The dentist will also register the way your jaws bite together to make sure that the mouthguard meets properly with your lower teeth.

Depending on your age, the mouthguard may need replacing fairly regularly. If you are still growing, new teeth will come through and move into position. When this happens, the mouthguard may become too tight or loose and will need to be remade to fit the new shape of your mouth.

Adults may not need to have their mouthguards replaced quite so often but they are like any other form of sports equipment and will suffer from wear and tear. We recommend that you take your current mouthguard along to your dentist when you go for your check-up, so it can be checked.

There are cheaper mouthguard kits available in the shops. They involve heating the product in hot water and then putting it in your mouth until it sets. Unfortunately these mouthguards fit badly and are uncomfortable to wear. They can fall out or even cause choking. Also the material is at its thinnest where it is needed most.

Nowadays there are many types of mouthguard including striped, multi-coloured and clear. Many of our patients now have coloured mouthguards made in their favourite team colours.