Key Takeaways
- Custom vs. Store-Bought: Custom-fitted mouthguards offer significantly better protection and comfort than “boil-and-bite” versions.
- Speech and Breathing: A professional mouthguard allows kids to speak and breathe clearly on the field, which is vital for performance.
- Concussion Prevention: While primarily for teeth, a good mouthguard helps cushion the jaw, potentially reducing the impact of certain head injuries.
- The Cost Factor: It is much cheaper to fit a mouthguard now than to repair a fractured adult tooth after a weekend sports mishap.
It is 7:30 am on a Saturday in Newcastle. You are juggling coffee, oranges, and a set of footy boots while trying to get the kids to the sportsground on time. In the rush to get out the door, the mouthguard is often the last thing packed—or the first thing forgotten.
We see the “real world” results of those Saturday mornings at Morrin Dental every week. While any mouthguard is better than none, there is a massive difference between a piece of rubber from a chemist and a professional device designed specifically for your child’s unique smile.
Why “Boil-and-Bite” Often Fails
You’ve likely seen the kits at the local supermarket. You boil them in water, the child bites down, and you hope for the best.
The problem is that these “one-size-fits-many” options are often bulky and loose. Because they don’t fit precisely, kids tend to chew on them or take them out to talk to their teammates. If a mouthguard is in a pocket or being fiddled with when an impact happens, it provides zero protection.
The Custom-Fit Difference
When we create a custom mouthguard at our Newcastle clinic, we are looking at more than just the teeth. We ensure the guard is the correct thickness (usually 3–4mm for most junior sports) and that it covers the back molars and gums properly.
A professional mouthguard stays in place even if the mouth is open. This means your child can breathe deeply while running and call out for the ball without the guard falling out.
Which Sports Need Protection?
In NSW, most contact sports like Rugby League, Union, and AFL have “no mouthguard, no play” policies. However, we also recommend them for:
- Netball and Basketball: High risk of accidental elbows to the face.
- Hockey: Essential for protection against sticks and hard balls.
- Skateboarding and Scooters: Frequent falls on hard coastal paths.
Taking the Next Step
If your child is starting a new sports season, it’s worth checking their gear before the first game arrives. If they have a mouthguard from last year, try it on this week. If they have lost baby teeth or gained permanent ones, the old guard likely won’t fit and could actually damage their gums.
A custom guard requires a quick, simple impression of the teeth. At Morrin Dental, we make this process easy and stress-free for kids. It is also worth checking your private health extras cover, as many include a rebate for “Item 151” (Mouthguards), which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost.
Final Thoughts
A custom mouthguard is the most cost-effective insurance policy in sports. It protects not just the teeth, but the bone structure and the soft tissues of the lips and cheeks. For Newcastle families, keeping the kids safe on the field means one less thing to worry about during those busy Saturday mornings.