It’s pre-sporting season and all your kids are excited about the trendiest sportswear and equipment out there. Before we get too caught up in the flashier and more eye-catching aspect of the sports your kids are into, there’s an important piece of sports equipment that you should take special note of: Custom-fitted dental mouthguards.
Indeed, as loving parents, you wouldn’t want to neglect the benefits of a custom-fitted mouthguard that is designed to protect your loved ones from potential injuries.
At Molonglo Dental Surgery, our dentists and staff are strong advocates for the need of student athletes to wear protective mouthguards during contact and general sports that carry the risk of trauma and impact to the teeth, mouth and face.
Working in the dental field, we are fully cognizant of and in agreement with overwhelming research that points to the protective benefits that a mouthguard can provide. As parents and caregivers ourselves, our loved ones also benefit greatly from the dental appliance – giving us the peace of mind while they are out there enjoying the games – which is why we endorse the dental mouthguard whole-heartedly.
We strongly support the Australian Dental Association’s recommendation for the wearing of a custom-fitted mouthguard during practices and games, as well as the ADA and Sports Medicine Australia (SMA) putting in place a Mandatory mouthguard policy for sporting clubs.
At Molonglo Dental Surgery, we are committed to offering high quality, custom-made mouthguards that can significantly minimize trauma to teeth, surrounding tissues and jaws caused by sporting collisions.
Safeguard your child’s sporting lifestyle from any dental injuries with a custom-fitted mouthguard.
For more information about our Sports Mouthguards for Children, contact Molonglo Dental Surgery at 02 6287 1222.
Why Does My Child Need to Wear a Sports Mouthguard?
When it comes to safety in sports, the right type of children mouth guard is perhaps the best investment of all. Indeed, the preventative value of dental mouth protectors cannot be overstated for student athletes.
Here are some sobering facts about the importance of mouthguards in the prevention of sports-related dental injuries:
Without a mouthguard, dental injuries are 60-70 times more likely to be sustained.
Avid sports players have a 10 per cent chance of sustaining a dental injury in just one sporting season.
It costs 20 times more to rehabilitate a knocked out tooth compared to the cost of a professional mouthguard.
Benefits of a Child-friendly Mouthguard
If your child does not take proper precautions while participating in sports or recreational activities, he or she may be unduly exposed to potential injuries to the face and mouth.
Wearing a mouthguard helps to provide the protective cushion and support that is especially critical during an impact. By cushioning and absorbing the force of the blow, the custom-fitted mouthpiece can significantly reduce trauma to the teeth, lips, tongue, face and jaws. In the majority of cases, a mouthguard is essential in helping to prevent the following injuries: Broken and chipped teeth, knocked out teeth and jaw fractures.
Wearing a mouthguard is especially important for student athletes who are wearing braces. In fact, braces can exacerbate sports injuries – when there is contact between the soft tissue in the mouth and the braces.
In the event of an impact or blow to the face, the mouthguard acts as a barrier between the braces and the cheeks or lips. This greatly reduces the occurrence of soft tissue lacerations and other more significant injuries. Note: There are special types of mouthguards that we would recommend wearing over your child’s orthodontic braces.
For other benefits of a dental mouthguard, please see Sports Mouthguards.
To ensure your kid gets the most protection when playing sports, get a custom-fit dental mouthguard.
For more information about our Sports Mouthguards for Children, contact Molonglo Dental Surgery at 02 6287 1222.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The cost for a custom-fitted children’s sports mouthguard ranges from $200 to $400. This price typically includes the initial impression, professional fitting, and a follow-up appointment to ensure the mouthguard remains snug and effective. While this might seem costly, many private health funds provide partial rebates to reduce your out-of pocket expenses. Moreover, the cost of a properly fitted mouthguard should be viewed in the right perspective: It is far cheaper than the cost of emergency dental treatment down the road.
Yes. Children undergoing orthodontic treatment can – and in many cases, should – wear specially designed orthodontic mouthguards. Crafted to accommodate brackets and wires while still providing superior shock absorption, the orthodontic mouthguard protects your child against a blow to the face that could damage both the teeth and the braces. At Molonglo Dental Surgery, our orthodontic mouthguards ensure your child’s smile stays safe during treatment.
We recommend replacing your child's mouthguard every 6 to 12 months. This is because a growing child's jaws and teeth change rapidly, meaning it would result in an ill-fitting mouthguard and inadequate protection. We further recommend a check-up after 6 months to monitor its fit, making adjustments or replacements as needed. If your child experiences a growth spurt or new teeth erupt, it is best to get a new mouthguard sooner rather than later.
More than just a useful protective appliance, mouthguards are mandatory in contact sports like rugby, AFL, hockey, and martial arts. They are also highly recommended for activities with a potential risk of falls, impacts or collisions, including: Soccer, basketball, skateboarding, and gymnastics. Even non-contact sports can result in accidental impacts, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
No. Retainers are designed to keep your teeth in place, and is not build to withstand impact. Wearing a retainer during sports may potentially cause more harm than good to your child’s mouth – especially if it shatters or splinters in your child's mouth on contact. A proper sports mouthguard, on the other hand, is made from durable, shock-absorbing material to cushion blows and prevent injuries.
Keeping the mouthguard clean is simple but essential. There are a few things you can to do to maintain the shape and function of a mouthguard: Rinse it thoroughly after each use to remove saliva and debris; wash it with mild soap and cold water about once a week (do not use hot water, as it can warp the material); store it in a ventilated case to allow airflow and prevent bacterial growth.
Yes. Over-the-counter mouthguards often fit poorly and provide inadequate protection against shocks and impacts. A custom-fitted mouthguard from Molonglo Dental Surgery, on the other hand, ensures maximum comfort and protection. It represents a wise investment against the risks and needless hassles. For example, a single dental emergency like re-implanting a knocked-out tooth, can cost upwards of $1,000. Investing in a quality custom-fitted mouthguard is your best bet against such financial and emotional stress.
Molonglo Dental is a trusted Canberra clinic that prioritises gentle, child-friendly care. Our custom-fitted mouthguards are fabricated in compliance with Australian Dental Association (ADA) standards, ensuring uncompromising, top-tier protection.