Its that time of the year again – when the kids are back at school and the contact sports like rugby union, soccer and rugby league start up.    Mouth guards are not limited to use by children either – adults who play a contact sport are strongly advised to wear a sports mouthguard.

As your Local Redcliffe Dentist knows, contact sports are enjoyed by many Australians but this enjoyment can come at a cost of their mouths if not adequately protected.

Sports Mouth guards can cushion a blow to the face, reducing the risk of broken or knocked out teeth.   Studies indicate that mouth guards reduce the risk of mild traumatic brain injures/concussions because they help absorb shock caused by a direct blow to the jaw.   They also protect the lips, tongue, and inner lining of the cheeks.

Mouthguards come in a vairety of options – varying in terms of cost, effectiveness and comfort.  The ideal mouthguard is durable, comfortable and resilient.  It should fit properly, easy to clean and not affect your ability to speak or breathe.

Wearing a mouthguard during contact sports can also protect against damage to braces.  A blow to the mouth can damage the brackets and wires of braces, which can in turn, cause added cuts and tears to the soft tissues within the mouth.  Mouth guards are usually only worn on the upper teeth but in this instance, people with braces could consider using one on both sets of teeth.

Custom made mouthguards are the ones most recommended by your Local Redcliffe Dentists at John Street Dental.  The process involves taking an impression of your teeth and then moulding the mouth guard material around the model to ensure a comfortable fit.  These types of mouth guards are fitted by dental professionals.  An alternative to the custom made mouth guard is the ready made, ‘boil and bite’ mouth guards bought from chemists and sports shops.  Although these can be cheaper, they can be less comfortable and can have an unpleasant taste over time, making them less attractive to wear.

So if you or your young sporting dynamo is about to start another fun season of contact sport call your Local Redcliffe dentists at John Street Dental for an appointment today on 3284 4281 or Book Online