Sports Mouthguards in Highton, Geelong

Protect your child's teeth, gums and jaw during sports with a mouthguard made to suit their mouth.

At My Dentist Geelong (Highton), we provide custom-fitted sports mouthguards for children, so they can play with comfort and confidence.

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What Is a Custom Sports Mouthguard?

Child wearing custom sports mouthguard, shaped to their teeth and gums.

A custom sports mouthguard is a protective guard made by a dentist from a mould or 3D scan of your child's teeth. Because it is shaped to their teeth and gums, it sits firmly in place during play.

Sports mouthguards work by absorbing and spreading the impact of a knock to the face, which may otherwise cause an injury to the teeth, mouth or jaw. They are worn at training as well as on game day.

Why Wear a Sports Mouthguard?

A child wearing a mouthguard during sports.

Anyone who plays sports can injure their teeth or mouth. These injuries can be difficult to treat and may need ongoing dental care, particularly when a permanent tooth is damaged at a young age.

It is not only contact sports like football, hockey and martial arts that carry a risk. Cricket, basketball, netball, soccer and skateboarding can also lead to dental injuries, as can falls and accidental collisions during training.

Custom mouthguards are recommended for sports players of all ages. Our team can advise the right option for your child based on the sport they play.

Common Dental Injuries a Mouthguard May Help Prevent

A well-fitted mouthguard may help reduce the risk of:

  • Chipped, cracked or broken teeth
  • Knocked-out teeth
  • Cut lips, tongue, cheeks and gums
  • Jaw injuries

No mouthguard can remove the risk of injury completely, but it can help protect your child's mouth when a knock does happen.

Custom-Fitted vs Store-Bought Mouthguards

The difference between custom-fitted mouthguard and store-bought mouthguard.

A custom-fitted mouthguard is comfortable to wear, sits securely and offers better protection, while also making it easier to breathe and speak during play.

Whereas, store-bought stock and 'boil-and-bite' mouthguards are ready to use straight away, but they may not conform to your child's bite and can be uncomfortable to wear. They often fit less well and can feel loose or bulky.

Custom-made mouthguards provide the most protection for the teeth and mouth. Your dentist can help you choose the right option for your child.

What to Expect When Getting a Custom Mouthguard

Getting fitted is simple and usually starts with a dental check-up.

Dentist checking the child’s teeth and gums.

Check-up

The dentist checks your child's teeth and gums first, so any other necessary dental treatment can be done first before the mouthguard is made.

Dentist taking a 3D scan of the child’s teeth.

Mould or scan

A mould or 3D scan is taken of your child's teeth. This is used to make a mouthguard that fits firmly and comfortably around the teeth and gums.

Dentist checking the child’s teeth to ensure the mouthguard fits properly.

Fitting

The dentist checks that the mouthguard fits properly and shows you and your child how to wear and care for it.

It is advisable to bring the mouthguard to future check-ups.

Regular fit checks

Children's teeth and jaws change as they grow, so it is good to bring the mouthguard to future check-ups so the fit can be assessed.

Mouthguards for Growing Mouths and Braces

Children with braces can still wear a mouthguard.

Children's mouths change quickly, especially when new teeth come through. A mouthguard that fits well at the start of the season may feel loose or tight later on, so it is recommended to replace your child's mouthguard every 12 to 18 months to fit their developing teeth.

Children with dental braces can often still wear a mouthguard, but they need one suited to orthodontic treatment. Your dentist can advise on the best option for your child's teeth and stage of treatment.

Caring for Your Child's Mouthguard

Store mouthguard in a protective case.

A few simple habits help keep a mouthguard clean and in good condition:

  • Wash it in cool or warm water
  • Store it dry in a protective case
  • Keep it out of direct sunlight
  • Write your child's name on the case

If it becomes loose, damaged or uncomfortable, bring it in so our team can check it.

Learn More About Children’s Mouthguards

If Your Child Injures Their Teeth During Sport

If your child chips, loosens or knocks out a tooth, contact our clinic as soon as possible. A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency, and prompt care can make a difference.

Even a small chip or a tooth that feels different after a knock is worth having checked. Our team provides emergency dental care to help relieve pain and protect your child's teeth.

Health Funds for Mouthguards

If you have private health insurance with dental extras, you may be able to claim part of the cost of your mouthguards, depending on your level of cover and annual limits. The amount covered can vary between health funds and individual policies, so it is best to check before your appointment.

At My Dentist Geelong (Highton), our team can help you understand the payment options available at the clinic. Please bring your private health insurance card to your appointment so we can assist with your claim where applicable.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a custom sports mouthguard?

A custom sports mouthguard is made by a dentist from a mould or 3D scan of your child's teeth. It is shaped to fit their teeth and gums, which helps it stay secure and comfortable during sport.

Does my child need a mouthguard for sport?

A mouthguard is recommended for children who play contact sports, as well as sports where falls, accidental knocks or hard balls are involved. This includes football, hockey, basketball, netball, cricket and martial arts. Mouthguards should be worn at training as well as during games.

Are custom mouthguards better than store-bought ones?

Custom-made mouthguards are designed to fit your child's teeth and mouth, so they generally offer a better fit, more comfort and more protection. Store-bought stock and boil-and-bite mouthguards often fit poorly and can feel loose, making it harder to breathe and talk.

How is a custom mouthguard made?

Your dentist takes a mould or 3D scan of your child's teeth and uses it to make the mouthguard. It is a good idea to have a dental check-up first, so any other treatment can be identified before the mouthguard is made.

How often should my child's mouthguard be checked or replaced?

Children's teeth and jaws change as they grow, so it's a good idea to replace your child's mouthguard every 12 to 18 months to fit their developing teeth.

It should also be checked regularly. If it no longer fits securely, feels uncomfortable, or looks worn or damaged, it may need to be adjusted or replaced.

Can my child wear a mouthguard if they have braces?

In many cases, children with braces can still wear a mouthguard, but they need one that is suitable for orthodontic treatment. A dentist can advise on the best type of mouthguard based on your child’s teeth, braces and stage of treatment.

How should I clean and store my child's mouthguard?

Wash it in cool or warm water, store it dry in a protective case, and keep it out of direct sunlight. Writing your child's name on the case can prevent it from going missing.

What should I do if my child chips or knocks out a tooth during sport?

Contact our clinic as soon as possible. A knocked-out permanent tooth is a dental emergency. If you are handling the tooth, avoid touching the root. Even a small chip, a loose tooth or jaw pain is worth having checked.

Is a custom mouthguard covered by private health insurance?

Some private health insurance policies with dental extras may cover part of the cost, depending on your level of cover.

My Dentist Geelong (Highton) offers a variety of payment options, including DentiCare payment plans, private health insurance rebates through HICAPS, and Department of Veterans' Affairs dental benefits.

Please note that the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) does not cover custom mouthguards. Kindly check with the clinic when booking to confirm what applies to your situation.

Can I get a same-day appointment for mouthguards?

Yes, we provide same-day appointments for urgent concerns, subject to availability. If you require urgent emergency dental care, our team will assess your condition and provide care to help relieve pain and stabilise your oral health.

Ready to Smile with Confidence?

Conveniently located within Barrabool Hills Plaza in Highton, Geelong, My Dentist Geelong (Highton) welcomes patients from Highton, Belmont, Wandana Heights, Newtown, Waurn Ponds, Ceres, Fyansford and Manifold Heights, as well as the wider Geelong community.

With easy access just off the M1 Princes Highway / Great Ocean Road and ample free parking within the shopping centre, visiting our clinic is simple and stress-free. Whether you need preventive, cosmetic, restorative or emergency dental care, our team is here to help.

Experience stress-free dental visits at My Dentist Geelong (Highton), conveniently located in Barrabool Hills Plaza with ample parking.