Mouthguards

Our general advice is that anyone engaged in sports should adopt a "No mouthguard no play" policy.

For best protection, a well fitting mouthguard made by a dentist from models of your teeth, should be worn.

Mouthguards are made of a rubber material and fit over your teeth and gums and there are 3 main types:

Custom fitted

• These offer the best comfort, fit and protection
• They are more expensive than the other types
• they are made by a dental technicain to an exact mould taken by your dentist
• They may be made in various colours with pictures and writing in some designs
• In growing children these may need to be replaced regularly

 Non-mouldable

• These do not provide enough protection
• They are a cheap alternative to custom made mouthguard if wearing braces until brace treatment finished
• They are usually larger than boil and bite types to allow for different jaw sizes
• They are used straight from the packet and do not require moulding

Boil & bite

• These are NOT recommended as they do not provide enough protection
• Standard types are sold in sports shops and on the internet
• They must be placed in hot water to make soft then moulded to your mouth
• They represent many different styles ranging in price

Australian hockey player finds out the hard way.. (warning, graphic image) 

Back to top >>