Mouthguards
Keep your smile in the game
Protect your teeth, gums, and jaw
from sports-related injuries
Mouthguards
Keep your smile in the game
Guard your winning smile in every game
Your smile is worth protecting—both on and off the field. If you’re involved in contact sports or high-impact activities, you can’t go past a properly fitted custom mouthguard to help prevent serious dental and jaw injuries.
Comfort and maximum protection are achieved when your guard locks in like it was made just for you. Unlike store-bought versions, a custom mouthguard is designed to match the exact shape of your teeth and gums. When worn, your custom mouthguard acts as a shock absorber, dispersing the force of an unexpected blow or fall in a balanced manner that protects your pearly whites. This cushioning effect helps reduce the risk of broken, loosened, or knocked-out teeth and can even lower the likelihood of concussion.
What’s a mouthguard?
A mouthguard is like armour for your smile. This type of dental appliance is made from durable, medical-grade material that fits over the upper teeth and gums. Its primary function is to absorb and distribute the energy of impact during physical activity, protecting the teeth, lips, cheeks, tongue, and jaw from trauma.
By forming a protective barrier, mouthguards:
- Prevent teeth from clashing together on impact.
- Reduce the chance of tooth fractures, dislodgement, or complete tooth loss.
- Protect soft tissues in the mouth from cuts and bruises.
- Minimise the risk of jaw fractures and concussions caused by force travelling through the jawbone.
In short, a well-made mouthguard doesn’t just protect your teeth—it safeguards your overall oral health and helps you play with confidence.
Why athletes can’t scrimp on mouthguards
Sports can be amazing for your health, but they can also be tough on your smile. A sudden tackle in rugby, an elbow in basketball, a stray hockey stick, or even a simple fall while cycling or skating can cause serious dental and jaw injuries.
That’s why athletes can’t afford to cut corners. A custom-fitted mouthguard is your first line of defence—absorbing impact to help prevent broken or knocked-out teeth, jaw injuries, and soft-tissue cuts. Most importantly, it lets you play hard with confidence, knowing your smile is protected.
What happens without a mouthguard?
Stepping onto the field without proper protection puts your smile and jaw on the line. Sports injuries strike in a split second—and the impact can last a lifetime. Many sportspeople know the risks all too well, with common dental and oral injuries including:
- Chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth
- Knocked-out teeth (avulsion)
- Partially dislodged or loosened teeth
- Cuts and bruises to soft tissues (lips, cheeks, gums, and tongue)
- Jaw fractures or joint injuries
- Concussions from force transmitted through the jaw
Even a single sports injury can mean years of costly treatment and permanent changes to your oral health. A well-fitted mouthguard is a simple, effective way to avoid this.
Risks of over-the-counter mouthguards
Not all mouthguards offer the same level of protection. Poorly fitted versions, commonly sold over the counter at sports stores or chemists, may seem convenient but they don’t provide the same security as a custom fit.. If the guard doesn’t fit securely, it cannot properly absorb and disperse the forces of impact, leaving you vulnerable to serious injury.
“Boil and bite” mouthguards, while slightly adjustable, often fail to mould evenly to every tooth. This results in weak spots, poor comfort, and a bulky fit that athletes are less likely to wear consistently.
The Australian Dental Association strongly recommends having a dentist create a custom-fitted mouthguard. A professionally made guard is designed to match your exact bite, offering superior protection, comfort, and peace of mind—whether you’re training or competing.
Tailored protection with Healthy Smile Dental
At Healthy Smile Dental, we create mouthguards that are designed specifically for you—not a “one-size-fits-all” solution from a chemist shelf. Each guard is carefully crafted to match the exact shape of your teeth and gums, ensuring maximum protection and comfort.
Here’s how we do it:
Accurate fit: We start by taking a precise impression of your teeth and gums.
Precision crafting: Using these impressions, we form a durable resin mouthguard that fits securely to your bite.
Maximum safety: Your guard disperses impact evenly across the teeth and jaw, helping to reduce the risk of dental injuries and concussion.
Personal style: Choose from a wide range of colours and team combinations to make your mouthguard truly your own.
Why athletes choose custom-fitted guards:
- Superior shock absorption to reduce injury severity.
- Snug, comfortable fit that makes it easier to breathe, speak, and play.
- Long-lasting and more durable than store-bought options.
- Designed for consistent wear—because a guard only works if you actually wear it.
- Customisable to show off your team pride or personal style.
If you choose a Healthy Smile Dental custom-fitted mouthguard, you will get optimal safety, comfort, and performance so you can play hard with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Who should wear a mouthguard?
Anyone who plays contact sports such as rugby, hockey, football, basketball, or martial arts should wear a mouthguard. They’re also recommended for activities with a high risk of falls, including cycling, skating, and gymnastics. Adults and children alike benefit from the protection they provide.
How often should I replace my mouthguard?
Adults generally need a new mouthguard every 1–2 years, depending on wear and tear. Children and teens should replace theirs more often, as their teeth and jaws are still developing. A new mouthguard may also be needed if it becomes loose, uncomfortable, or damaged.
Will a custom mouthguard affect breathing or speaking?
Not at all. Made to fit your teeth and bite precisely, a custom mouthguard feels secure without being bulky. This makes it easy to breathe, talk, and focus fully on your performance.
Are sports mouthguards and night guards the same?
Sports mouthguards and night guards serve very different purposes. A sports mouthguard is made from softer, shock-absorbing material designed to cushion impacts and protect teeth, gums, and the jaw during physical activity.
A night guard is a harder appliance worn while sleeping to prevent damage from teeth grinding or clenching. Each device is built for a specific purpose and should only be used as intended.
Can a night guard be used as a sports mouthguard?
No. Night guards are not designed to withstand heavy blows. Using one during sports could cause it to crack or break, potentially leading to more serious injury. Only a sports mouthguard is engineered to absorb and distribute impact forces safely.
Are mouthguards painful to wear?
A properly fitted mouthguard should feel comfortable, not painful. You may notice slight pressure for the first few days, but this usually goes away quickly. If discomfort persists, it may not fit correctly, and you should see your dentist for adjustments.
How do I care for my mouthguard?
Rinse it with cold water after every use, brush it gently with a toothbrush, and store it in a ventilated case. Avoid hot water or direct heat, as these can distort its shape, and never leave it in the sun or a hot car.
Can I choose colours or team designs?
Yes! Custom mouthguards can be made in a variety of colours or team designs so you can protect your smile while showing your personality or team spirit.
Don’t let missing protection knock you out
Every game comes with risks, but a custom-fitted mouthguard can mean the difference between a winning smile and years of costly treatment. Protect your teeth, jaw, and confidence—and keep your focus on the sport you love.
Book your custom mouthguard fitting at Healthy Smile Dental today—because your smile deserves the strongest defence on and off the field.
