We Aussies are a sporty bunch. From Cathy Freeman’s 400m sprint and her record as the eighth-fastest woman of all time, to the iconic ‘come on!’ celebration of tennis star Lleyton Hewitt, to the dangerous right foot of Matildas captain Sam Kerr, the list of Australian sporting achievements is a long one.
And considering we’re such a sport-driven nation, it’s important we take care of our bodies when playing sports. From shin-pads to helmets, the protective gear we wear depends on the sport we’re playing. Mouthguards are an essential piece of protective equipment for many sports and should be worn be amateurs and professional sports stars alike.
Here’s why mouthguards are so important for some of Australia’s favourite sports, and why they’re great at protecting your smile.
How do mouthguards work?
Mouthguards are specially-designed protective equipment that fit over your teeth to help protect your smile during sport and other activities. Mouthguards are an effective way to protect the teeth during contact sport, and are affordable alternative to the repair of extensively damaged teeth from injury.
Custom-fit vs over-the-counter mouthguards
Custom-fit mouthguards made by Victorian Dental Group are specifically fitted to your teeth, and contour the soft tissue of your mouth, allowing for an exact fit. This makes them more comfortable and secure than store-bought mouthguards, and helps to better distribute the load of impact during a sports incident.
Over-the-counter mouthguards can be bought at any regular sports store. Although they offer some protection, they are not as effective as custom-fit mouthguards moulded by a professional dentist. Store-bought mouthguards also lose their shape over time, whereas custom-fit mouthguards are durable.
Sports that require players to wear a mouthguard
Some of Australia’s favourite sports require a mouthguard for obvious reasons, as they involve a high level of physical contact. These include Australian rules football, rugby and hockey. However, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) strongly recommends wearing a custom-fit mouthguard for a range of other sports, too. Sports which require players to wear a mouthguard include:
- AFL
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Cricket
- Hockey
- Ice hockey
- Gymnastics
- Lacrosse
- Martial arts
- Rugby
- Soccer
- Squash
- Volleyball
- Water polo
- Wrestling
Investing in a custom-fit mouthguard from Victorian Dental Group
Investing in a sports mouthguard is certainly worthwhile. Save yourself the risk of permanent damage to your teeth by booking in with our dentists and having your custom-fit mouthguard made today.
Victorian Dental Group is Melbourne’s leading team for custom-fit mouthguards. With a strong focus on high quality work, gentle and nurturing methods, and education, our patients receive top-level dental care regardless of their needs. Make an appointment and head into our Malvern clinic today.
