The dentists at the practice endorse the FDI World Dental Federation’s recommendation that custom-made mouthguards should be used for all ages, genders and skill levels for sports where there is a risk of sustaining an injury to the teeth, face and neck at both recreational and competitive levels. We also recommend the use of mouthguards for all contact sports played at senior level. These sports include (but not limited to) rugby, lacrosse, hockey, ice-hockey, boxing and all martial arts.
There is much evidence to support the use of mouthguards during sport as even though injuries cannot be prevented, the severity of the injury is reduced. There is also a great deal of evidence that mouthguards are protective not just for the teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue but also of the spine area of the neck and minimise the risk of concussions. Although mouthguards need to be replaced annually, the cost is minimal compared to life-long dentistry costs if a severe injury is sustained.
