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

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Laura Keates used to play for England Rugby Union and Worcester RFC. She never played without her mouthguard :0)
To find out more about mouthguards click here.