Our dental mouthguards are your sporting solution in Swansea
Many children like to play sports, and this is something that most parents will definitely want to encourage. However, contact and some non-contact sports can present the risk of dental injuries, and it is not uncommon for children to chip or break teeth or to even knock out teeth completely.
Each year, thousands of children (and adults) are treated for dental injuries that could have been prevented or minimised by wearing a custom-designed mouthguard. The Australian Dental Association recommends a mouthguard for any sport or activity where collision or contact is likely, during a game or training session.
A well-fitting, custom-designed mouthguard can reduce the risk of broken or chipped teeth and cushion the mouth against impacts. At Swansea Dental Practice, we offer sports mouthguards for children and adults designed to protect teeth and prevent traumatic injuries — contact us to book a consultation today.
How are dental mouthguards made?
At Swansea Dental Practice, we make custom-fitted mouthguards in-house so that you can protect your child’s teeth sooner rather than later.
- Impression: The process starts with a high-quality impression of your child’s teeth and jaws. We use a dental alginate material, which is flexible and fast-setting — your child will be asked to bite down on the impression tray, which captures the shape of their teeth and gums.
- Manufacturing: The impression is used to manufacture the mouthguard using the finest quality, German-made, shock-absorbing polymer material. We offer custom colours and inscriptions for a fun look — your child could even sport their team colours!
- Trimming & Shaping: After we have formed your child’s sports mouthguard, we will trim away excess material and shape the mouthguard. We will also create appropriate thickness in specific areas, like providing additional cushioning over the molars or any areas prone to impact.
- Fitting: To ensure a properly-fitted mouthguard, we will ask your child to try it on. We will make necessary adjustments to ensure the mouthguard fits comfortably and is easy to talk and breathe with.
- Education: We will provide instructions on how to use and care for your child’s custom-fitted mouthguard, including cleaning, storing, and when to replace the mouthguard.
To provide optimal protection, we manufacture several mouthguard designs to cater for different sports, providing different levels of protection. Contact us about making a custom mouthguard for your child today.
How to look after your child’s custom-fitted mouthguard
Proper care of your child’s custom mouthguard ensures longevity, hygiene, and effectiveness in protecting your teeth. Here are some important steps to follow for maintaining and looking after your child’s custom-fitted mouthguard:
- Clean Before & After Use: Rinse your child’s mouthguard with cool water before and after each use. Avoid using hot water, as it can distort the shape of the mouthguard. Gently brush the mouthguard with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or toothpaste. Rinse it thoroughly after cleaning to remove any residue.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals, or strong mouthwashes on your child’s mouthguard. These can damage the material and affect its protective properties.
- Use Your Storage Case: After manufacturing your child’s new mouthguard, we recommend keeping it in the provided case to protect it from dirt, debris, and germs. Avoid exposing it to air or light, which can cause material deterioration.
- Avoid Heat Exposure: Avoid exposing your child’s mouthguard to high temperatures, including direct sunlight, hot water, or leaving it in a hot car. Heat can cause the mouthguard to warp or lose its shape.
- Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect your child’s mouthguard for signs of wear and tear, like cracks, tears, or thinning. If you notice any damage, it’s important to replace the mouthguard promptly to maintain its protective qualities.
- Replace When Necessary: Over time, mouthguards can become less effective due to wear and changes in dental alignment. We will let you know when it’s time to replace your mouthguard. As a general guideline, consider replacing it annually or sooner if you notice significant wear.
- Avoid Biting or Chewing: To prolong the life of your child’s mouthguard, remind them to avoid biting or chewing on it, even when they’re not using it for sports. This helps prevent unnecessary wear and tear.
- Maintain Dental Hygiene: Before using your child uses their mouthguard, make sure they’ve cleaned their teeth. Good oral hygiene will help prevent bacteria and odours from transferring to the mouthguard.
- Bring It to Dental Appointments: Bring your child’s mouthguard to their regular dental check-ups. Your dental professional can inspect it for any signs of damage or deterioration and provide guidance on its condition.
Depending on your child’s age, they can learn to manage most of these steps themselves. After manufacturing and fitting their mouthguard, we will provide all the tips and tricks they need to know to keep it in good condition.
FAQs about custom mouthguards
- Are mouthguards from sports stores okay to use?
Mouthguards from sports stores are commonly known as “boil and bite” mouthguards, as they are designed to be customised and fitted at home. It involves boiling the mouthguard to soften it and then biting down on it to shape it.These mouthguards are not recommended for any level of play — they are not fitted to the natural shape of your child’s teeth and could dislodge at any time, running the risk of blocking their airways. They also leave space and air pockets between the guard and the teeth, making them ineffective against hard impacts.
- What should I do if my child experiences a dental injury during a game?
The first step is to remain calm and assess the damage. Check for any bleeding, pain, or visible damage to the teeth, and check if your child can breathe, talk and swallow normally. If there is blood, try to stop the bleeding with a lean piece of gauze or cloth and apply gentle pressure to the injured area on the way to the emergency dentist. If your child has lost a tooth, handle it by the crown (not the root) and rinse it gently with water. Store the tooth in milk or saliva to keep the tooth’s cells alive until you reach the dentist.
- Can I get a custom-made mouthguard for teeth grinding?
Yes, we offer custom mouthguards or “splints” for teeth grinding (bruxism) at night. Those who wear mouthguards while sleeping are protected against the harmful effects of grinding or clenching their teeth, like worn-down teeth, enamel erosion, jaw pain, and headaches.