As Australia’s local Dentist, Pacific Smiles Dental has over 110 centres to allow convenient access to the dental services you need.
Published on March 10, 2025.
Last reviewed on February 17, 2026
by Dr Ren Sun.
Sporting competitions are about to kick off for another season, so while checking if your boots and shorts still fit, don’t forget to check if your custom mouthguard is over 12 months old and if it still fits correctly. If it is over 12 months old or is not fitting correctly, it may be time for a new one.
Wearing a mouthguard during sports helps minimise damage to the face, mouth and jaw from accidental trauma. An accidental hit to the mouth is also just as likely during training as it is during the game, so it’s important to protect your teeth with a custom mouthguard made to fit your teeth perfectly.
What sports require mouthguards to be worn?
Mouthguards are compulsory for AFL, hockey, boxing and rugby union and league and are recommended for most other sports where there is a risk of direct contact to the face such as soccer and martial arts.
In our recent Are Media Healthonomics survey we found that while 20% of respondents know that mouthguards are recommended for soccer, only 14% of those who play soccer actually wear one.
Even accidental elbows in low-impact contact sports can cause facial injuries. Although mouthguards are not mandatory for all contact sports, some sports clubs are dedicated to minimising the risk of dental injuries that may occur during play. These clubs implement the ‘no mouthguard, no play’ mouthguard policy, developed by the Australian Dental Association and Sports Medicine Australia.
With dental trauma rates as high as 41% in basketball^ and over a third of rugby players^ experiencing injuries, a custom-fit mouthguard is an essential protection for your smile.
Custom-Fit Mouthguards vs. Boil-and-Bite
To achieve the best protection, mouthguards should be custom-made and professionally fitted by your dentist. During your custom mouthguard fitting your dentist will make an impression of your mouth from which the mouthguard will be made to fit securely around each of your teeth.
| Feature | Custom-Fitted Mouthguard (From your dentist) |
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguard |
|---|---|---|
| Fit and comfort | Precision-made for your teeth, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit. | Molds to teeth but may not fit as securely. |
| Protection level | Designed to distribute impact evenly, reducing risk of injury to the mouth. | Provides basic protection but may not absorb shock as effectively. |
| Breathing and speaking | Slim custom design allows for easier breathing and clear speech during play. | May feel bulky, making it harder to breathe or talk naturally. |
| Durability | Made from high-quality, long-lasting materials. | Wears out faster and may need frequent replacement. |
| Stability | Stays securely in place during activity without needing adjustment. | Can shift or loosen during activity and require repositioning. |
| Customisation | Can be tailored for specific sports and even team colours or personal preferences. | Limited customisation options available. |
| Cost | Higher upfront investment but lasts longer and offers superior protection. | Lower cost but may need replacing more often. |
Benefits of custom-made mouthguards
- Provide maximum protection by cushioning teeth, jaws and surrounding soft tissue against impact, absorbing and distributing the force of a hit to the mouth.
- Protect individual teeth and reduce the likelihood of teeth being knocked out.
- Reduce soft tissue injury – the teeth being covered by the mouthguard lowers the risk of teeth going through lips, tongues or inner cheeks.
- A comfortable custom fit helps custom mouthguards stay in place, allowing athletes to speak and breathe more easily.
- Help to lower the risk of bone fractures and concussions during impact.
Caring for your custom-made mouthguard
After each use, rinse your mouthguard with cold water and store it in the provided case, away from direct heat. Regularly inspect your mouthguard for any defects or wear to ensure maximum protection.
Did you know that mouthguards have a use-by date?
Our recent Are Media Healthonomics survey found that 50% of respondents didn’t know a mouthguard should be replaced every 12 months or sooner if damaged*.
For children, it’s important to check the fit of their mouthguards regularly, especially when baby teeth are lost, adult teeth erupt, and jaw structures change as they grow. Because of these changes, children typically require a new mouthguard each season. Your dentist can assess your child’s mouthguard at their regular six-month check-up.
Don’t leave your teeth at risk, protect your smile this season. We’ve made it easier for you to find your nearest Pacific Smiles offering custom mouthguard fittings. Find your nearest centre and Book an appointment today.
*Are Media Healthonomics Dental Survey 2025, women aged 25-54
^Dental Traumatology – 2024 – Lima – Comparative analysis of dental trauma in contact and non‐contact sports: A systematic review. Dental Traumatology – 2020 – Tewari – Global status of knowledge for prevention and emergency management of traumatic dental injuries in sports persons and coaches: A systematic review
