SpaDental proudly protecting the Ryde Rugby players smiles

Spa Dental proudly protecting the Ryde Rugby players smiles

Protect your teeth from injury: Use a custom-fitted sports mouthguard

Many Aussies have a passion for sport, whether it’s playing footy or netball, skateboarding, hockey or rugby. There’s a thrill that appeals to sport lovers, but the spills can be devastating. Whether it’s a collision on the field, a tumble on a street or equipment failure – the risk of contact to the face and teeth is an ever-present danger. To minimise this risk, it is best to wear a quality mouthguard.

If you’re in danger of experiencing a dental injury through high-impact sports and don’t use any protection, you’re potentially leaving yourself open to painful and costly dental work. Damaged teeth also have the potential to lead to a host of other health related problems.

What is a mouthguard?

A mouthguard is a thick, often spongy shield that fits over your teeth. Mouthguards are usually worn during sports and other activities that involve an elevated risk of impact to the face.

They can be helpful outside of sports too. For instance, you might need to use a specialised mouthguard for jaw issues or teeth grinding. Dentists sometimes use special types of mouthguards to help treat grinding, snoring or sleep apnoea as well.

Spa Dental proudly protecting the Ryde Rugby players smiles

Engaging in one of the highest contact sports, Rugby players need to ensure they have the best protection, and a custom-fitted mouthguard is recommended by dentists and the Australian Dental Association (ADA). Spa Dental is thrilled to be able to support and serve the Ryde Rugby Club and its players to provide maximum protection for their oral health.

Spa Dental is even branding these custom- made mouthguards and creating them using club colours, these are proving to be a highly popular as well as essential item for all players this season.

Interested in having your own club or company colours and brand displayed on mouthguards?

If you are interested in having your company or club colours and logo branded on mouthguards please contact Spa Dental today on 02 9809 2900.

What does a mouthguard do?

A mouthguard provides a defensive wall to keep your teeth, soft tissue, and jaw safe. If you experience a traumatic blow to your jaw area, a mouthguard helps to dissipate the force over a larger surface area, as well as absorbing some of the energy.

Good quality sports mouthguards can minimise the risk of your teeth getting chipped, broken, or even dislodged completely. With a huge variety of mouthguard options available, choosing the right mouthguard is important. You want to make sure you’re getting adequate protection as well as comfort.

A Custom made sports mouthguard can protect you by:

* Cushioning your teeth against impact

* Protecting against jaw joint and soft tissue injuries

* Preventing neck and jaw injuries

* Reducing concussion

What should I look for in a mouthguard?

An excellent quality mouthguard is one that allows you to speak and breathe easily, stays in place throughout the action, is comfortable and fits well, is easy to keep clean, is tear resistant and is tasteless. You want to make sure your mouthguard has all these elements to make sure you’ve got the best possible protection with comfort. At Spa Dental, we can assist you with getting the perfect fit to suit your mouth.

A mouthguard with a custom fit is especially important if you wear braces, have fixed anterior bridgework or just want the best chance of protection from your teeth being exposed to potential trauma.

What are the risk factors when playing sport?

An injury can result in a loss of one or more teeth, broken or chipped teeth, jaw fractures or injuries to the soft tissue of the mouth. Dental trauma can also include damage to the gums and lips.

According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), approximately one-third of traumatic injuries to teeth are sports-related. Sports Medicine Association Australia suggests that 50% of children experience some form of dental injury.

The good news is that injuries can often be prevented by using a custom-fitted mouthguard every time you play or train.

How to care for your mouthguard

Before and after using a mouthguard, rinse it or brush with a toothbrush and paste, then allow it to air-dry. On occasion, clean the mouthguard with cool, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. When not in use, your mouth guard should be kept in a cool place and stored in a plastic container with vents that allow air to circulate.

Most importantly, remember to bring it home after the game. If it’s left in the car, for example, the heat can destroy the shape, rendering it useless. Keep an eye out for any wear or tear as this will indicate the need for replacement.

Get your own custom made mouth guard today!

Get sport ready and visit our dentists at Spa Dental today, they are happy to assist you with your custom fitted mouth guard and in helping you to protect your smile while playing the sport that you love.

Call 02 9809 2900 to schedule your dental appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon and helping you to protect your smile.