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Why Wear a Sports Mouthguard This Footy Season?

by | Mar 13, 2026 | Mouthguards

Why Wear a Sports Mouthguard This Footy Season?

A custom sports mouthguard is one of the most important pieces of protective gear for football players this footy season. Footy brings excitement, teamwork, and the thrill of the game—but contact sports also carry a risk of injury, especially to your teeth, gums, and jaw.

Athletes who don’t wear a mouthguard are more likely to sustain dental injuries, such as chipped, broken, or even knocked-out teeth. A custom sports mouthguard helps safeguard your jaw and reduce the risk of concussions during play.

Here are five key reasons why wearing a sports mouthguard is crucial this footy season.

#1. Reduce the risk of concussion

Concussions and other head injuries can affect how your brain functions. Headaches, problems with focus, memory issues, balance problems, and coordination issues are all possible symptoms.

A mouthguard helps absorb impact and provides a softer surface between your teeth and jaw. This can help reduce the force transmitted to your head during tackles or collisions.

#2. Protect teeth from fractures

When a person receives a powerful strike to the face, there is a high risk of their teeth breaking, chipping, or fracturing. These injuries can be painful and might need treatments like crowns, root canals, or tooth removal.

Custom sports mouthguards act as shock absorbers, deflecting impact forces and reducing the likelihood of tooth fractures.

#3. Prevent soft tissue injuries

Without a mouthguard, lips, cheeks, and tongue are at risk of cuts or bruising from accidental impacts during play. Painful injuries commonly occur when teeth strike the inner surfaces of the mouth.

A mouthguard’s protective barrier reduces soft-tissue cuts, prevents infections, and improves outcomes.

#4. Prevent teeth from being displaced

Direct impact on the face can cause teeth to shift out of place or partially dislodge. This not only leads to significant pain but can also result in long-term dental complications.

A sports mouthguard evenly distributes the force of an impact, reducing the likelihood of teeth being knocked out of alignment or completely avulsed. Keeping teeth securely in place also helps avoid emergency dental interventions.

#5. Reduce jaw and neck injuries

Injuries to the neck and jaw can occur when teeth collide during impact.

By placing a mouthguard between your teeth, the force of a collision is absorbed, helping prevent jaw fractures and other injuries.

The Advantage of Custom-Fitted Mouthguards

While over-the-counter mouthguards may seem easy to use, they do not provide the same protection and comfort as a custom-fitted mouthguard. Here’s why a custom mouthguard is a better choice:

  • Superior Fit: Made by a dentist, custom mouthguards fit securely and comfortably to the particular shape of your mouth.
  • Enhanced Durability: High-quality materials provide long-lasting protection.
  • Improved Breathability and Speech: Snug fit allows athletes to breathe and communicate effectively during play.
  • Better Protection: Unlike generic options, a custom mouthguard provides optimal coverage for your teeth, gums, and jaw.

Custom sports mouthguards provide peace of mind during footy season, letting you focus on the game while protecting your smile.

Why Mouthguards Matter During Footy Season

Football involves tackles, collisions, and fast-paced action—so accidents are common. Wearing a custom mouthguard helps protect your teeth, gums, and jaw, letting you enjoy the game safely.

Whether you’re a seasoned player, a casual weekend footballer, or supporting a junior team, a mouthguard gives you confidence on the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a mouthguard for local or junior footy games?

Yes. Mouthguards are recommended for many contact sports, including football, basketball, and hockey, to help reduce the risk of dental injuries.

Are custom sports mouthguards better than store-bought ones?

Custom-fitted mouthguards are designed to fit your teeth and jaw, offering improved comfort, stability, and protection compared to generic options.

How often should a sports mouthguard be replaced?

Regularly check your mouthguard for signs of wear or damage. Children and teenagers may need replacements more often as their teeth and jaws grow.

Avoid Serious Injury with Custom Mouthguards in Cheltenham!

Get ready for the season by protecting your teeth, gums, and jaw with a custom sports mouthguard.

At Dentist On Warrigal Cheltenham, we can create a mouthguard that fits well and offers reliable protection on the field.

Call us on (03) 9583 5506 or request your appointment online to get your mouthguard before the season kicks off.

We are located at Suite C, 151 Centre Dandenong Road in Cheltenham.

Don’t wait for an injury—take proactive steps to safeguard your smile this footy season!