Don’t forget your mouthguard, athletes urged

Parents and local athletes are being advised to consider oral and general health safety as the 2024 rugby and football seasons begin.

Data from the Australian Dental Association’s NSW Branch suggests only 36 per cent of Australians wear a mouthguard when playing contact sport, and even fewer wear a mouthguard during training, despite sports-related injuries accounting for nearly 40 per cent of dental injuries.

Players who do not wear mouthguards risk sustaining serious injuries such as fractured teeth, broken jaws and serious cuts to the tongue and lips.

Oral injuries to children in particular are of concerns as these injuries can affect their speech and nutrition.

Dr Cathryn Madden, head dentist at Bupa Dental, said custom fitted mouthguards could give parents and players valuable piece of mind while ensuring children can get the most out of their sporting experience.

“Players who participate in contact sports are at higher risk of sustaining potentially preventable injuries when opting for over the counter, boil and bite mouthguards which are more likely to be dislodged during a game.

“Getting fitted for a mouthguard by your friendly local dentist will ensure you have protection that is high-quality, fitted to your unique mouth and is comfortable to play in.”

Mouthguards minimise the risk of injury to teeth, gums and jaw and come in a variety of designs and colours.

“If you fitted your child with a mouthguard at the dentist last year, don’t assume it will still be suitable in 2024 as a child’s mouth can grow and change shape over time… particularly as they lose or develop new teeth,” Dr Madden said.