Sports are a big part of life for many families across Albany. From junior footy on chilly winter mornings to weekend netball, hockey, basketball and martial arts, local kids and adults spend a lot of time staying active and enjoying team sports.

While helmets, shin guards and protective gear often become part of the routine, many players still overlook one of the most important pieces of protection for their teeth and mouth: a custom sports mouthguard.

At Aberdeen Dental Centre, we regularly see the impact sporting injuries can have on teeth, gums and jaws. A properly fitted sports mouthguard can play an important role in reducing the risk of serious dental injuries during sports and recreational activities.

Mouthguards Really Do Matter in Sports

Sporting accidents can happen quickly and unexpectedly. Even sports that are not traditionally considered 'contact sports' may still involve collisions, falls or accidental impacts to the face.

According to the Australian Dental Association, custom-fitted mouthguards help prevent many cases of dental trauma each year. The Australian Dental Association also recommends mouthguards for both children and adults participating in team sports and recreational activities where injury risk exists.

Dental injuries during sports may include:

• Chipped or broken teeth
• Knocked-out teeth
• Lip and tongue injuries
• Jaw injuries
• Damage to dental restorations or braces

Some injuries may require ongoing dental treatment over many years, which is why prevention remains so important.

Not Just for Contact Sports

Many people associate dental mouthguards with rugby or boxing, but dental injuries can also occur in sports, such as:

• Basketball
• Netball
• Soccer
• Hockey
• Skateboarding
• Cricket
• Mountain biking
• Martial arts

The Australian Dental Association advises that sports involving falls, collisions, or facial contact carry some risk of dental injury. Children and teenagers are particularly vulnerable because they often participate in multiple sports throughout the year.

Why Choose a Custom Sports Mouthguard?

Store-bought mouthguards and ‘boil-and-bite’ options are widely available, but they do not always provide the same level of fit, comfort or protection as a professionally made custom mouthguard. Custom sports mouthguards are designed specifically for the shape of your teeth and mouth. This allows the mouthguard to fit more securely and comfortably during activity.

Custom-fitted mouthguards may offer benefits such as:

• Better comfort and fit
• Improved protection during impact
• Easier breathing and speaking
• Reduced movement during sports
• Greater durability over time

The Australian Dental Association states that custom-fitted mouthguards provide the most effective protection against oral injuries due to their precise fit and material quality.

Sports Mouthguards for Children

Children’s mouths continue to grow and change, especially during school sports years. Teeth move, adult teeth erupt, and jaw development continues throughout childhood and adolescence. Because of these changes, children’s sports mouthguards may need regular review and replacement to ensure they continue to fit properly. At Aberdeen Dental Centre, we assess fit, comfort, and suitability when providing sports mouthguards for children and teenagers participating in sports in and around Albany.

What Happens During the Appointment?

Getting a custom sports mouthguard is generally straightforward and comfortable.

• The process usually involves:
• Examining the teeth and gums
• Taking impressions or digital scans of the teeth
• Creating a custom-fitted mouthguard
• Checking the fit and comfort at a fitting appointment

Patients can often choose colours to match their school, club or favourite sports teams, which many children and teenagers enjoy. Taking care of your sports mouthguard helps maintain its fit, comfort and protective function over time. A damaged or poorly fitting mouthguard may not provide the same level of protection during sports, so regular care and maintenance are important.

Looking After Your Custom Mouthguard 

To help keep your sports mouthguard in good condition, we recommend that you do the following:

• Rinse it with cool water after each use.
• Clean it regularly with a toothbrush and mild soap.
• Store it in a ventilated protective container.
• Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat.
• Bring it to dental check-ups for review.
• Replace it if it becomes worn, damaged or loose.

Heat can distort mouthguards surprisingly quickly, particularly during warmer weather in Albany. Leaving a mouthguard in a hot car, sports bag, or direct sunlight may cause it to warp or lose its proper fit. 

Children and teenagers may also require more frequent mouthguard reviews because their teeth and jaws continue to grow and change over time. A mouthguard that once fitted well may gradually become uncomfortable or less effective as the mouth develops.

Patients who wear braces or undergo orthodontic treatment may also require adjustments or replacements to their mouthguards throughout treatment.

At Aberdeen Dental Centre, we recommend bringing your sports mouthguard to regular dental appointments so we can check its fit, condition, and overall suitability for your current sporting activities. Proper care and regular reviews help ensure your mouthguard continues supporting your smile both on and off the field.

Custom Sports Mouthguards in Albany, WA

At Aberdeen Dental Centre, we understand how important sports are for many local families. We also know that protecting teeth early may help reduce the risk of painful and costly dental injuries later. 

Our team provides children's dentistry in Albany, WA, and custom sports mouthguards tailored to each patient’s individual needs, comfort and sporting activities.

We invite you to call us on (08) 9842 2345 to book an appointment.