Sports mouthguards are recommended for anyone engaging in sporting activities that can result in facial injuries, regardless of age. Consequences of trauma to the dentition, soft tissues and surrounding bony tissues can be devastating and some symptoms may not appear until years later. These can include discolouration, pain, swelling, and tooth mobility.
There are various types of sports mouthguards on the market.
- Stock mouthguards
- Thermoplastic mouthguards (boil and bite)
- Custom mouthguard - these come in laminated, single layer and 3D printed forms
The stock mouthguard is pre-formed and can't be adjusted. These mouthguards are the cheapest option, but tend to be bulky and poor fitting. The protectiveness of this type of mouthguard is limited as they are very loose and dislodge easily. Difficulty speaking and breathing are common complaints.
Thermoplastic mouthguards are usually shaped by heating a pre-made appliance in boiling water (hence the common name of “boil and bite”) or a microwave. Some can be made to fit the mouth reasonably well, but they are bulky and can cause difficulty with speaking and breathing. They are commonly used, but are considered to be less effective than the custom-made mouthguards.
Custom-made mouthguards are produced from an exact image of an individual's teeth. These mouthguards fit extremely well. They can be customised for different sports, such as by increasing the thickness and extensions for added protection. Custom mouthguards are highly recommended for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment as we can create spaces for the brackets and allow continued orthodontic teeth movement.
There are a few considerations when we design a custom mouthguard - the level of protection required, dental condition, previous injuries, and jaw movement. Mouthguards should have a minimum thickness of 3mm, cover the surfaces of all upper teeth, extend to within 2mm of the boundary of our upper lip/cheek tissues, and facilitate an even bite when you close your teeth together. For really high impact professional sports, triple-laminated mouthguards may be required where airspace over the anterior teeth improve force dispersion.
At Radiance Dentistry, we use digital scanning to capture the most accurate details of your teeth, gums and bite to create the perfect fit. Mouthguards can come in a variety of colours and designs to reflect your personality or team colours.
Tips on looking after your mouthguard:
- store it in a rigid, ventilated container
- rinse before and after use
- use soapy, cold/warm water to wash your mouthguard
- brush the inner surface only with soft toothbrush
- regularly check your mouthguard for signs of wear and damage
- bring it in to your dentist to check if you're unsure
- change to a new one if it becomes too loose, tight or uncomfortable
Sources:
The Australian Dental Association "Guidelines for the Fabrication, Use and Maintenance of Sports Mouthguards 2026"
The International Association for Dental Traumatology.