What Is A Mouthguard? 

A mouthguard is a piece of specially designed plastic, custom made to fit your teeth perfectly.

Different mouthguards are designed to serve different purposes. Mouthguards for bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching) are lighter and thinner to allow for comfortable wear overnight, whereas mouthguards for sport are thicker and made from a shock absorbent material to protect the teeth in case of an impact – these are sometimes called gumshields. A mouthguard designed for bruxism isn’t suitable for sports. 

Unlike store bought thermoplastic gumshields available in sports shops, our sports mouthguards are custom made to your exact tooth shape. This ensures your mouthguard fits tightly and comfortably in your mouth, giving you superior protection in the event of a collision or impact.  

We can make mouthguards to suit the colour of your teeth. You can even ask your dentist if it’s possible to make your mouthguard match your team colours! 

How Do I Know If I Need A Mouthguard? 

Anyone who plays high-impact contact sports such as rugby, boxing, or hockey can benefit from a custom made sports mouthguard – they might even be a requirement to play at some leagues or clubs. 

Even if you wear a helmet or other protective headgear, you will still need a mouthguard too. A properly made sports mouthguard protects your teeth from more than just external impact, it also protects your teeth from chips and damage in the event of a fall or impact where your teeth hit against each other. 

A well made mouthguard that fits you properly and won’t fall out doesn’t just protect your teeth, it can also prevent injuries to your jaw, spine, and brain. 

When Would I Need To Wear A Mouthguard? 

You should wear your sports mouthguard during games and matches, but also during training sessions where contact or impact is likely to be involved. 

It’s a good idea to take your mouthguard with you to your sporting events even if you’re not sure if you’ll need to wear it so you have the option to put it in if you need to. 

How Do I Care For My Mouthguard? 

Mouthguards are simple to care for. After every use, your mouthguard should be rinsed with cold water and gently brushed clean with a soft bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste, gently dried with a tissue, then stored safely in the plastic case until the next use. 

Do not use hot water on your mouthguard as this can cause the plastic to warp, and do not soak your mouthguard overnight in chemicals such as mouthwash or disinfectant other than those recommended by your dentist, as these can damage your mouthguard and affect the fit. 

If your mouthguard feels loose or begins to look worn or discolored, it may need replacing, especially for teenagers whose mouths are still growing.