The Ultimate Guide To Mouthguards:
Everything You Need To Know

Ever taken a rogue elbow to the face during a game? Maybe a stray ball found its way a little too close for comfort? Athletes of all levels face the risk of dental injuries, and that’s where custom mouthguards come in. These protective shields act as a barrier between your teeth and potential impact, thus saving you from chipped teeth, root damage, and even jaw injuries!

But with so many different types and options available, choosing the right mouth guard can feel overwhelming. The good news? In this guide, we are here to help! We’ll break down everything you need to know about mouthguards, from the different types, to the key benefits, and proper care.

Let’s dive in headfirst to this mouth guard buying guide:  

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Types of Mouthguards

There are three main types of mouthguards available:

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    Stock Mouthguards

These pre-made mouthguards come in one-size-fits-all options. While readily available at most sporting goods stores, they often offer a poor fit and can be uncomfortable to wear for extended periods.

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    Boil & Bite Mouthguards

These offer a slightly better fit than stock mouthguards. You heat them in hot water to soften the material, then bite down to mould them to your teeth. While offering some customisation, they can still be bulky and uncomfortable.

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    Custom-Made Mouthguards

These are the gold standard in mouth protection. Made using a precise impression of your teeth, they offer the best fit, comfort, and protection available.

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Benefits of Mouthguards

Mouthguards offer a wide range of crucial benefits for athletes (namely, dental protection):

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    Superior fit and comfort
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    Maximum protection against dental injuries
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    Reduces risk of concussions and jaw injuries
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    Improves speech clarity compared to other options
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    Enhances breathing and performance
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    Can be designed with personalised features (e.g., logos, colours)
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    Durable and long-lasting
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    Helps prevent soft tissue damage (lips, cheeks, tongue)
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    Protects dental restorations (crowns, veneers)
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    Can be used for teeth grinding prevention
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    Offers peace of mind and increased confidence
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Dental Protection

The primary benefit of mouthguards is their ability to protect your teeth. They absorb impact, preventing chipped teeth, cracked crowns, and even complete tooth loss. This not only saves you from dental bills and discomfort but also protects the sensitive nerves and blood vessels within your teeth!

Importance of Mouthguards in Sports

Do not underestimate the importance of mouthguards in sports! Mouthguards are particularly important in contact sports like rugby, boxing, AFL, and martial arts where the risk of facial impact is high. However, they are also beneficial for non-contact sports like basketball, soccer, and netball where falls and accidental collisions can still occur.

Mouthguards for Contact Sports

For high-impact sports, a custom-made mouth guard is essential. The precise fit provides superior protection and comfort, thus allowing you to focus on your game without worrying about your teeth.

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FAQs

If you can’t find the information you need in the FAQ section below, please feel free to contact us today – we’re always happy to help!

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Why Choose Custom-Made Mouthguards?

Custom-made mouthguards offer several advantages over stock and boil & bite options, especially if you are buying mouthguards for kids:

  • Superior Fit: Made from a precise impression of your teeth, they create a comfortable and secure fit that won’t slip or impede your speech.
  • Enhanced Comfort: The custom design allows for better airflow and breathability, making them more comfortable to wear for long periods.
  • Improved Speech: Unlike bulky store-bought options, custom mouthguards allow you to speak clearly without slurring.
  • Increased Protection: The custom fit ensures maximum impact absorption, offering superior protection for your teeth and jaw.

How should I care for and clean my mouth guard?

Here are some quick and easy mouth guard care tips:

  • Rinse your mouth guard with clean, cool water before and after each use.
  • You can also brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap.
  • Store your mouth guard in a ventilated container to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Avoid exposing your mouth guard to extreme heat or direct sunlight.

How often should I replace my mouth guard?

Over time, mouthguards can lose their shape and effectiveness. 

This usually happens if you lose teeth, new teeth erupt, jaw growth or if you undertake any dental work.

For athletes up to the age of 18, we recommend replacing your custom mouth guard every 12-18 months, or if you notice any significant wear and tear.

Where can I get a custom-made mouth guard?

Mobile Mouthguards offers a convenient and reliable solution for athletes across Australia. We use the latest 3Shape Trios® intraoral scanner technology to capture a digital impression of your teeth, thus ensuring a perfect fit and optimal protection.

Click here to learn more about our process and contact us to schedule an appointment today!

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