How Can Mouthguards Prevent Dental Injuries in Sport?

Participating in sport is a fantastic way to stay active, build teamwork skills, and boost overall wellbeing. However, many sporting activities carry a significant risk of dental injuries—particularly contact sports or activities with a high chance of falls or collisions. One of the most effective ways to protect your teeth, jaw, and soft tissues is through the use of a properly fitted mouthguard.

Understanding how mouthguards work, the different types available, and the injuries they can help prevent is key to making an informed decision before stepping onto the field or court.

What Types of Mouthguards Are Available for Sports?

Not all mouthguards offer the same level of protection or comfort. Understanding the different types helps athletes and parents choose the most appropriate option based on individual needs and level of risk.

Comparison of Mouthguard Types

Feature	Custom-Fitted (Dentist)	Boil-and-Bite	Stock/Pre-Formed
Fit Quality	Excellent	Moderate	Poor
Protection Level	High	Moderate	Low
Comfort	Very high	Moderate	Low
Breathing/Speaking	Easy	Varies	Often difficult
Dentist Supervision	Yes	No	No
Suitability for Braces/Implants	Yes (customised)	Risk of poor fit	Not recommended
Longevity	Long-lasting	Short-term	Very short-term

While boil-and-bite and stock mouthguards are widely accessible, they often lack the stability and precision fit needed during high-impact situations. Custom-fit mouthguards, provided by a qualified dental professional, are individually moulded to your bite and offer superior protection and comfort.

What Kinds of Dental Injuries Can Happen in Sport?

Sports activities, especially those involving physical contact or rapid movement, can lead to a variety of orofacial injuries. These include:

• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Knocked-out teeth (tooth avulsion)
• Fractured tooth roots
• Lip and cheek lacerations
• Tongue injuries
• Jaw fractures or dislocation

Even seemingly low-contact sports can result in accidental collisions, falls, or impacts from equipment such as balls or bats. Wearing a mouthguard provides a crucial layer of protection by absorbing and distributing the force of impact.

Which Sports Carry the Highest Risk of Dental Injuries?

While some sports are inherently more dangerous due to their contact nature, others pose hidden risks because of falls, errant elbows, or fast-moving objects.

High-Risk Sports for Dental Trauma

• Rugby union and rugby league
• Australian rules football (AFL)
• Basketball and netball
• Soccer
• Boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA)
• Hockey (ice and field)
• Skateboarding and BMX
• Cricket (especially wicketkeepers and batters)
• Water polo (due to elbows and hard surfaces)

Regardless of whether the sport is played professionally, recreationally, or at a school level, protective gear—including a well-fitted mouthguard—is vital to reducing injury risk.

How Exactly Do Mouthguards Prevent Injury?

Mouthguards act as a shock absorber between the upper and lower jaws. When the mouth is struck or force is applied during impact, the mouthguard distributes the pressure evenly across the teeth and jaw. This reduces the risk of:

• Tooth fractures and chips
• Luxation injuries (tooth movement or dislodgment)
• Soft tissue injuries (cheeks, lips, tongue)
• Jaw joint trauma (TMJ issues)

By cushioning the blow, a mouthguard reduces the severity of injury and often prevents it altogether.

What Are the Key Benefits of Wearing a Custom Mouthguard?

Dentist-made mouthguards offer numerous protective benefits, particularly for athletes involved in high-contact sports or those who wear braces, implants, or dental restorations.

Key Protective Features

• Precise anatomical fit for better comfort and stability
• High-impact absorption to protect teeth and bones
• Improved breathing and speech compared to over-the-counter models
• Reduced risk of concussion through better jaw alignment
• Longer lifespan with proper care and storage

dentist Fyansford involvement ensures the mouthguard fits accurately, accommodates any dental appliances, and is suitable for your age and level of physical activity.

How Should Mouthguards Be Cared For?

To maintain hygiene and functionality, mouthguards require consistent aftercare.

• Rinse after every use with cool water
• Store in a ventilated case when dry
• Avoid leaving in direct sunlight or hot environments (warping risk)
• Clean weekly with gentle soap and a soft toothbrush
• Replace if damaged, distorted, or after significant dental changes

Regular dental check-ups can also assess whether the mouthguard is still fitting properly and performing as intended.

What Should Parents Know About Children and Sports Mouthguards?

Children are particularly vulnerable to dental trauma in sport due to ongoing dental development and high activity levels. A custom-fitted mouthguard is especially important for children who:

• Are involved in organised sport
• Wear braces or retainers
• Have loose baby teeth or incoming adult teeth
• Engage in activities with a high fall risk

It’s recommended that parents consult with a dental professional to determine the most suitable type and ensure a proper fit for their child’s developing mouth.

Why Should Mouthguards Be Replaced Regularly?

Over time, even the most durable mouthguards can degrade, distort, or no longer match the user’s bite. This is particularly true for children whose jaws and teeth are still developing. Regular assessments ensure optimal protection is maintained season after season.

Mouthguards should also be replaced:

• If they become torn or worn
• After a dental restoration, extraction, or orthodontic adjustment
• Following a direct impact
• At the beginning of every new sports season

Where Can You Find Expert Advice and Protection?

If you or your child plays sport—at any level—investing in a professionally made mouthguard is a decision that supports long-term oral health. Not only does it protect your smile during sport, but it also helps prevent costly and complex dental treatments that may be needed after injury.

Why Bannockburn Dental Is the Trusted Choice for Mouthguard Protection

At Bannockburn Dental, our team provides expertly fitted, dentist made mouthguards tailored to the individual. Whether you’re involved in weekend sports or competing at a higher level, we ensure the mouthguard fits comfortably and provides high-quality protection. We assess every patient’s unique needs, from age and dental appliances to sports type and activity level. Our focus is on prevention and education—empowering you to stay safe, active, and protected. If you’re preparing for a new sporting season or want to ensure your child’s smile is safe, reach out to our experienced dental team for personalised care.

References

• Australian Dental Association. Mouthguards: Preventing dental injuries in sport. https://www.ada.org.au/Your-Dental-Health/Younger-Adults-18-30/Mouthguards
• Sports Medicine Australia. Playing it Safe – Preventing Dental Injury. https://sma.org.au/resources-advice/injury-fact-sheets/dental-injury/
• Healthdirect Australia. Dental Injuries. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-injuries

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best type of mouthguard for contact sports?
   A custom-fitted mouthguard provided by a dental professional is considered the most effective in offering protection, comfort, and durability during high-contact sports.
2. How often should a sports mouthguard be replaced?
   Mouthguards should be replaced every sporting season, or sooner if they become worn, damaged, or if dental changes occur.
3. Are mouthguards necessary for non-contact sports?
   While not mandatory, sports like basketball, cricket, and skateboarding still carry a risk of falls or impacts, making mouthguards a sensible protective option.
4. Can children wear mouthguards with braces?
   Yes. Custom-fitted mouthguards can be made to accommodate braces and other orthodontic appliances, providing effective protection and a comfortable fit.
5. How do I clean and store a sports mouthguard?
   Rinse after every use, clean weekly with mild soap, and store in a ventilated container. Avoid exposure to heat or direct sunlight.
6. Can a mouthguard prevent all types of dental injury?
   No protective device can guarantee complete prevention, but a well-fitted mouthguard significantly reduces the severity and frequency of sports-related dental injuries.

Disclaimer

All dental procedures involve potential risks and benefits. The information provided in this blog is general in nature and should not be taken as medical advice. We recommend that you seek guidance from a suitably qualified health professional before making decisions about your oral health. Where appropriate, you may also wish to consider obtaining a second opinion.
Any images or videos featured are shared with the informed consent of our patients and are intended for educational purposes only. They are not a guarantee of results, as every patient is unique. Treatment outcomes — including recovery, potential complications, and effectiveness — can vary from person to person.