Teeth (like bones in the body) can be injured by any form of impact. This is common in baby teeth when a toddler falls as they are learning to walk, and common in adult teeth during sport-related injuries. Such impacts can lead to broken teeth and/or jaws, which usually result in pain and life-long upkeep of any tooth repairs.
While a toddler falling is unavoidable, sport-related impacts to the teeth and jaws can be lessened by mouthguards. These act as a protective cushion between the jaws that help to minimise injuries such as broken jaws, knocked out or fractured teeth, and cut lips or tongues. If this does happen, contact us as soon as possible for an emergency appointment.
Parade Dental Ocean Grove recommends mouthguards for most sports, such as football, netball, hockey, and soccer. Our custom-fitted mouthguards are made from a mould taken of your teeth and jaw. These have a precise fit, are thick enough to soften impacts, and are comfortable enough that you are still able to speak and breathe normally.
Most children will need their mouthguards replaced yearly as baby teeth fall out, new adult teeth grow, and the jaws continue to develop.
Having said that, the cost of fixing a broken tooth is life-long and far outweighs the yearly cost of new mouthguards. For adults, if a mouthguard is properly looked after, it should last a few sporting seasons. Mouthguards should be brought along to your regular dental check-up appointments, so that we can check their fit.
Ready-made and boil-and-bite mouthguards can be found in sports stores and chemists. Although cheaper, they can be difficult to mould, often requiring high temperatures that are not tolerable in the mouth. This can make them ill-fitting, loose, and hard to breathe and speak when worn. It is no surprise that these mouthguards may end up not getting used because of the discomfort.
