Mouth & Guards
A dental mouthguard is a custom made appliance designed to fit comfortably over your teeth and gums, protecting your teeth, jaw, and soft tissues from damage. It is especially recommended for contact sports to prevent tooth fractures, bone injury, and trauma, and can also be worn at night to reduce the effects of teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism). While it doesn’t cure bruxism, a mouthguard acts as a protective barrier, easing pressure, reducing noise, and minimising tooth wear for long term dental health.
Your mouthguard can be made from see through plastic, so that it is near invisible, or you can have it made in a colour of your choice. Sometimes sports teams have their mouthguards created in team colours.
- Brush your mouthguard after every use with a separate soft toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Keep it in its protective case when not in use.
- Keep it out of very hot water and the sun – these will cause it to melt and deform.
- Replace your mouthguard regularly for good hygiene and update it as your teeth naturally change and move.
- On an average a mouthguard will last around six months to a year. If your teeth are still moving or coming through, then it is important to get your mouthguard replaced more regularly to ensure that it fits correctly.