Is your child’s teeth protected on the sports field?

Posted on 18 March 2016

Is your child’s teeth protected on the sports field? Hero Image

The year is well under way and with the kids going back to school and teams gearing up for the sporting season, now is a great time to think about mouthguards. In a recent move the Australian Dental Association together with Sports Medicine Australia have introduced a new mouthguard safety scheme for children for use within schools as well as sporting clubs.

The policy aims to promote improved safety practices in sporting for children, encouraging the use of mouthguards for all sporting events. Schools and clubs that have the policy in place will follow a strict no mouthguard, no play policy and children not using a mouthguard will not be allowed to participate in sporting events.

Whilst the policy is optional for schools and clubs to adopt, it has been encouraged by dentists across the country to help minimise the risk of dental related injuries and serious harm to children.

Dr Peter Alldritt, Chair of the ADA's Oral Health Committee, said: “Children who do not wear a custom-fitted mouthguard while playing sport are at risk for damaged and dislodged teeth, broken jaws and cut lips, causing painful, expensive and possibly life-long dental injuries. To minimise the potential damage that can occur to the mouth or face when playing these sports, wearing a mouthguard during training and game time is highly recommended.”

There are 2 common types of mouthguards available for purchase, custom-fitted mouthguards and boil-and-bite mouthguards.

The over the counter, boil-and-bite mouthguards tend to offer little protection from contact on the field. Whilst over the counter mouthguards are acceptable for use within the policy guidelines, it is highly recommended that your child is fitted with a custom-mouth guard to ensure maximum protection.

Dental injuries can be quite costly, lengthy and in some cases permanent, so it is important that you invest in a mouthguard that will offer optimum protection for your child’s teeth, gums and jaw.

Custom fitted mouthguards can be purchased through your dentist, who will take an impression of your child’s teeth to mould a mouthguard that is a perfect fit. If you are looking to get your child a custom mouthguard, we recommend that you give our friendly team a call or book an appointment.

You can also read more about mouthguard facts and what to do in the event of a dental related sporting injury via the following resources:

If you are looking to get a custom fitted mouthguard, please book an appointment to see one of our dentists today,