For many Aussie adults and kids, sport is a way of life. Whether it’s footy, cricket, basketball, or hockey, the benefits of sport go far beyond fitness. It helps build confidence, resilience, and lifelong friendships. But with physical activity comes risk, and one area that’s often overlooked is dental injury. That’s where a well-fitted mouthguard can make all the difference.
Why Mouthguards Matter
According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), sporting injuries are one of the most common causes of dental trauma in children and teenagers. A knock to the mouth during play can result in chipped, broken, or even knocked-out teeth, and the long-term consequences can be painful, costly, and emotionally distressing. These injuries aren’t limited to professional athletes; they can happen during weekend games, training, or even casual backyard matches.
Dental trauma can lead to years of dental work, including root canals, crowns, or implants, treatments that are invasive and expensive. Beyond the physical toll, there can be emotional impacts too, particularly for children who are still developing their self-confidence.
A custom-fitted mouthguard acts as a shock absorber, cushioning your teeth and jaws from impact. It reduces the risk of cracked teeth, soft tissue injuries, jaw fractures, and damage to the tongue and lips. In some cases, it can even help prevent concussions by absorbing and distributing the force of a blow to the head or jaw.
Why Choose a Custom Mouthguard?
At Verve Dental, we create custom-fitted mouthguards made precisely for the shape and structure of each individual’s mouth. Unlike over-the-counter options, which are often bulky, ill-fitting, and uncomfortable, our custom mouthguards are made from dental impressions to provide maximum comfort, protection, and durability.
This tailored fit means they stay in place securely, even during the most active moments of a game. Athletes can breathe, speak, and focus better without having to constantly adjust their mouthguard or feel discomfort.
Whether your child wants it in their favourite colour or a mouthguard that proudly represents their team colours, we’ve got options to suit every personality. It’s a fun way to encourage kids to take their dental safety seriously and wear it with pride!
Which Sports Require Mouthguards?
In Australia, contact and collision sports are part of our culture, and the ADA strongly recommends mouthguards for any activity where there is a risk of facial impact. These include:
- AFL, Rugby League and Rugby Union
- Basketball and Netball
- Soccer
- Hockey (field and ice)
- Martial arts, boxing and wrestling
- Skateboarding, scootering, and BMX riding
- Cricket (especially when wicketkeeping or fielding close)
- Mountain biking or downhill cycling
It’s also worth noting that even sports considered “non-contact” can result in accidental collisions, falls, or stray balls. A moment of impact without a mouthguard can cause damage that takes years to fix.
The Risks of Going Without
Too often, people choose to go without a mouthguard because they find store-bought ones uncomfortable or assume they won’t get hurt. But dental injuries don’t discriminate, and once a permanent tooth is lost or damaged, it’s gone for good.
Without a mouthguard, the following are more likely to occur:
- Fractured or dislodged teeth
- Cuts and lacerations inside the mouth
- Jaw and joint injuries
- Tooth root and nerve damage
- Time off school and sport
- Long-term dental treatment needs
The ADA reports that custom mouthguards offer significantly better protection than “boil and bite” versions, which often fail to distribute impact evenly and may dislodge during play.
Get Fitted at Verve Dental
Located in Bentleigh East, Melbourne CBD, and Heathmont, Verve Dental proudly supports active families across Melbourne. We take time to carefully fit your child’s mouthguard so they feel confident and comfortable wearing it on the field or court. Our mouthguards are made right here in Australia, using high-quality, durable materials.
Appointments are quick and straightforward. Once it’s ready, simply come back to have it fitted and you’ll have a strong, custom-made guard to help stay safe season after season.
We also recommend checking the fit of a child’s mouthguard every year, especially during times of growth or after orthodontic treatment. We’re happy to assess it and let you know if a replacement is needed.
Sport should be fun, safe and full of smiles. Don’t risk injury. Protect you or your child’s teeth with a custom mouthguard from Verve Dental.
