ADVERTISING FEATURE
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Each year, thousands of adults and children of all ages are treated for dental injuries that could have been prevented or minimised by wearing a mouthguard.
![BE PREPARED: Play it safe and wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and mouth, whether or not physical contact is an acknowledged part of the game or activity. BE PREPARED: Play it safe and wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and mouth, whether or not physical contact is an acknowledged part of the game or activity.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/JwDKcJjXQNaRikWmKDAA/2617b17b-e153-405a-b3f8-9066a00b0692.jpg/r36_243_1603_1402_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The types of dental trauma caused by sporting injury include fractured, cracked or knocked-out teeth, damage to the tooth nerve, a broken jaw and injuries to the tongue and lips.
As many of these injuries occur in situations not even considered to be a risk or danger, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) advises it is always better to ‘play it safe’ and wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth.
In addition to sports or activities where contact is a part of the game, those where accidental collision occurs include cricket, bike-riding, iceskating, netball, touch football and soccer.
It is also important to understand that there is just as much risk of dental trauma during light-hearted play or at training, not just during the game.
![EASY FIT: Having a custom-fitted mouthguard, made by your local dentist, is a quick and easy process, recommended for everyone at risk of dental injury. EASY FIT: Having a custom-fitted mouthguard, made by your local dentist, is a quick and easy process, recommended for everyone at risk of dental injury.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/JwDKcJjXQNaRikWmKDAA/6e6e3c22-9f48-4990-84a6-28fbc9232cab.jpg/r0_787_1810_1889_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
A single case of dental trauma can lead to a lifetime of dental treatment in order to maintain the strength and health of the damaged teeth, bone or gums.
A quality mouthguard that has been fitted by your dentist makes breathing and speaking a lot easier when wearing your mouthguard, and are likely to be a lot more comfortable than their ‘boil-and-bite’ counterparts.
Once fitted, your dentist will advise you how to wear and care for it properly.
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![PROTECT YOURSELF: Don't risk broken, cracked or knocked-out teeth. PROTECT YOURSELF: Don't risk broken, cracked or knocked-out teeth.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/JwDKcJjXQNaRikWmKDAA/b766882d-16eb-400c-80cb-cb008045dc5f.jpg/r197_0_2348_1165_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)