Mouthguards: Protect Your Smile

When it comes to protecting our bodies during physical activity, we often focus on wearing helmets, knee pads, and other protective gear. However, one area that is frequently overlooked is the mouth. Whether you’re an athlete or someone who wants to safeguard against dental injuries, investing in a mouthguard/gum shield can be one of the smartest decisions you can make for your oral health.

Why do Mouthguards matter?

Mouthguards are crucial for safeguarding your teeth, gums, and jaw during various sports and activities. Mouthguards act as a cushion, absorbing the impact of blows or falls that could otherwise result in broken teeth, cut lips, or injuries to the tongue and cheeks. For athletes engaged in contact sports like football, rugby, or boxing, wearing a mouthguard can significantly reduce the risk of dental trauma, and in many cases, it is a mandatory requirement.

Who are they designed for? 

Mouthguards aren’t just for kids on the soccer field or adults in the boxing ring – they’re essential for everyone, regardless of age. Whether you’re participating in sports or grappling with nighttime teeth grinding, mouthguards play a vital role in protecting your oral health and preserving your smile.

How many types of Gum Shields are there?

There are three types of gum shields available in Ireland, but not all of them meet sports regulation requirements:

• Stock Gum Shield: Stock gum shields are pre-formed and ready to wear. They are inexpensive but can feel cumbersome and occasionally affect breathing or talking.
• Boil and Bite Gum Shield: Boil and bite gum shields are moulded to your teeth and jaw structure in a basic way. Typically, you place the gum shield into warm water and bite as per the instructions to mould it. While they satisfy most sports clubs’ mandatory ruling, the CE mark must be on the packaging to indicate that it has met certain acceptable standards.
• Custom Gum Shield: Custom gum shields are professionally fitted to your mouth by a dentist and offer the highest level of comfort and protection while meeting sports regulation requirements.

What makes dentist Mouthguards different from retail Mouthguards?

Dentist-fitted mouthguards offer several advantages over retail options, thanks to their custom design and professional craftsmanship:

• Customisation: Dentist-fitted mouthguards are tailor-made to fit the unique contours of your mouth. Dentists take impressions of your teeth and gums, ensuring a precise and comfortable fit that offers maximum protection and stability. 
• Enhanced Protection: Custom-fitted mouthguards provide superior protection against impact and injury compared to off-the-shelf options. By conforming closely to the teeth and gums, they effectively absorb and distribute the force of impact, reducing the risk of dental trauma, jaw injuries, and concussions. 
• Durability and Longevity: Dentist-fitted mouthguards are crafted using high-quality materials and professional techniques, ensuring durability and longevity. Custom-fitted guards are designed to withstand regular use and maintain their shape and effectiveness for an extended period. This durability makes them a cost-effective investment in the long run.

How often should I change my Gum Shield?

Replacing your gum shield is recommended each year for a growing child, as their jaw and teeth arrangement will change. For adults, replacement is needed when the guard shows signs of wear. Bring your gum shield to your dental check-up so your dentist can assess whether or not it needs to be replaced.

If you would like to inquire about acquiring mouthguards in one of our dental practices around the country, please use our practice locator to find your local practice.

Sports mouthguards: all you need to know

In this week’s Q&A, Dr Amita Bhagwat from our Tuam practice in Galway answers some frequently asked questions about when, why and how to use sports mouthguards

Q: What are sports mouthguards?

A: Sports mouthguards, or gum shields, are dental appliances that is worn over your teeth to help protect them from damage during contact and ball-based sports activities.

Q: Why should a mouthguard be worn?

A: During sporting and recreational activities, mouthguards provide cushioning for your teeth, gums and other soft tissues in the mouth. A properly-fitted mouthguard can help to protect the mouth from injuries such as broken or lost teeth, bruised or lacerated cheeks, and damaged or fractured jaws.

Q: Is it compulsory to wear a mouthguard for sports?

A: Since the GAA Congress ruling in April 2012, there has been a mandatory requirement for mouthguards for all Gaelic football matches. This move is in line with International sports such as American Football, Ice Hockey and Rugby Union.

Q: How is a custom mouthguard fitted?

A: Your dentist will first take impressions (moulds) of your teeth and gums, which will then be professionally manufactured in a laboratory to perfectly fit your mouth. Your dentist will discuss the type of guard suitable to the sports you play and customise it accordingly.

Q: What other options are available?

A: There are three types of mouthguard available in Ireland:

• Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and ready to wear. They are inexpensive but can feel cumbersome, and may occasionally affect breathing or talking.
• Boil and bite mouthguards are moulded in a basic way to your teeth and jaw structure. Typically, you place the mouthguard into warm water, and bite as per instructions to mould. While they do satisfy the mandatory ruling of most sports clubs, the CE mark must be present on packaging, to indicate that it has met certain acceptable standards.
• Custom mouthguards are professionally fitted to your mouth by a dentist, and offer the highest level of comfort and protection.

Q: Do children need to wear a mouthguard for sports?

A: Yes. Sports mouthguards should be worn by adults and children.

Q: How often should I change my mouthguard?

A: Replacement of a mouthguard is recommended each year for a growing child, as their jaw and teeth arrangement will change. For adults, replacement is needed when the guard is showing signs of wear. Bring your mouthguard to your dental check-up so that your dentist can assess whether it is giving you maximum protection.

Q: Can a mouthguard be worn with braces?

A: Yes. Those who have fixed metal or ceramic braces are particularly at risk of soft tissue injury and damage. Even a small injury to the mouth can lead to lacerations on the insides of the cheeks and lips, and can do serious damage to the braces themselves.

For more tips and advice on looking after your family’s oral health, visit dentalcareireland.ie

Main image:  Camogie Association

Mouthguards for kids: look after their teeth!

At Dental Care Ireland, we want to ensure that all our patients have a quality experience and can access any dental treatment. That’s why we offer mouthguards for kids

The new school term is now well underway, and children are getting involved in different sports all around the country. It’s an exciting time for them, as they get to have fun and compete with their peers, but of course their health is paramount.

While playing sports, it is essential that children take care of their teeth, and that’s why mouthguards for kids are so important. Gone are the days when children would lose teeth after a playing field collision due to a lack of protective equipment; now there are a number of types of mouthguard that can help protect their teeth from damage.

Approximately one third of all adult dental injuries are linked to sports, and studies have shown that the chances of injury are almost twice as high when a mouthguard is not worn. Mouthguards for kids make sense! As such, it is crucial that your child wears a mouthguard while playing contact sports such as rugby, soccer, Gaelic football, hurling or hockey.

There are three different types of mouthguard available in Ireland today: stock mouthguards, which are inexpensive but can be cumbersome on your child’s teeth; boil and bite mouthguards, which are moulded in a basic way to your child’s teeth and jaw structure; and custom-fit mouthguards, which are the most expensive but also the best in terms of comfort and protection.

It is worth discussing your options with your dentist when you visit before the school year begins so that you can choose the best one for your child.

If you would like to enquire about mouthguards for kids in our dental practices around the country, please contact our team. Please refer to our opening times and locations on the website