A custom-fitted sports mouthguard, made from an impression of your teeth by a dental professional, generally offers more consistent protection than store-bought alternatives because it sits securely, maintains even material thickness across the biting surface, and allows normal breathing during play. For families across Croydon, Ringwood, Bayswater, and the surrounding eastern suburbs, getting a mouthguard fitted before the winter or summer sports season can be a straightforward way to help reduce the risk of dental injuries on the field, court, or rink.
Sports-related dental injuries are more common than many people realise. Contact sports such as AFL, rugby, basketball, hockey, and cricket carry a higher risk of impact to the face and mouth, but dental injuries can also occur during activities not typically thought of as high-risk — cycling along EastLink Trail, skateboarding at Croydon Skate Park, or playing weekend netball at Dorset Road Recreation Reserve.
A knocked-out or fractured tooth can be painful, expensive to restore, and may have lasting consequences for oral health. Depending on the severity, treatment could involve anything from a simple filling to a crown, root canal therapy, or even extraction and replacement. For growing children and teenagers — many of whom play for local clubs around Kilsyth, Mooroolbark, and Heathmont — the stakes are particularly high because their adult teeth are still settling into position.
Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard during sport is one of the simplest protective steps available. Yet it is also one of the most commonly overlooked, especially at recreational or social competition level where mouthguards are not always enforced by the rules.
Not all mouthguards provide the same level of protection. There are generally three types on the market:
Research suggests that custom-fitted mouthguards may offer more effective protection than over-the-counter alternatives because of their precise fit and consistent material thickness across the areas that matter most. A mouthguard that fits well is also more likely to be worn consistently — and a mouthguard left in the sports bag because it is uncomfortable or loose offers no protection at all.
The Australian Dental Association and various sporting bodies recommend mouthguards for anyone participating in activities where there is a risk of contact to the face. This applies to both competitive and recreational sport, and to players of all ages.
For the Croydon and outer eastern Melbourne community, this covers a wide range of popular local activities. Sports where mouthguards are commonly recommended include:
Children and teenagers, whose teeth and jaws are still developing, may particularly benefit from the protection a custom mouthguard provides. Many junior sporting clubs across the eastern suburbs — from Croydon North to Bayswater — require mouthguards for registration, and a custom fit can make all the difference in whether a young player actually wears it during every game and training session.
At Divine Dental Care on Wicklow Ave, the process for getting a custom mouthguard is straightforward and generally takes two short appointments:
The whole process can usually be completed well before the start of a new sports season, so it is worth booking ahead — especially during the busy pre-season months of February and March, or before the summer cricket and basketball seasons begin.
Looking after your mouthguard helps maintain both its protective function and its hygiene over the course of a season. Consider these practical tips:
If any of the following apply, it is a good idea to book a mouthguard consultation at our Croydon practice:
At Divine Dental Care, we see families from across the eastern suburbs — Croydon Hills, Croydon South, Heathmont, Mooroolbark, and beyond — for sports mouthguard fittings throughout the year. Our practice is open Saturdays, which can make it easier to fit an appointment around school and training schedules. As a Platinum health fund provider, we can process claims on the spot for eligible patients.
The cost of a custom-fitted mouthguard varies depending on the type of material and any special requirements (such as accommodating braces). Many private health funds cover part or all of the cost under general dental or preventive benefits. Our team at Divine Dental Care can provide a quote and check your health fund eligibility before you proceed.
Yes. Custom mouthguards can be designed to fit over orthodontic braces and other appliances. Because the fit needs to accommodate brackets and wires, these mouthguards may need to be replaced or adjusted more frequently as orthodontic treatment progresses.
A custom mouthguard is generally recommended for replacement each sporting season, or sooner if it becomes worn, loose, or damaged. For children and teenagers who are still growing, the fit may change over the course of a single season.
While mouthguards are most commonly associated with contact sports, dental injuries can occur during any physical activity where there is a risk of falls or collisions — including cycling, skateboarding, and gymnastics. If you are unsure whether a mouthguard is appropriate for your activity, your dentist can advise you based on the level of risk involved.
Absolutely. Custom mouthguards are suitable for athletes of all ages, from junior players through to adults competing in weekend or social leagues. Many adults across the Croydon area use custom mouthguards for sports such as AFL masters, social basketball, and martial arts.