Mouthguards in Basketball.

Losing or injuring teeth is no fun!  Basketball is a non contact sport and we are often unprepared for the damage that can occur to the teeth when there is a clash of heads, or an accidental elbow to the mouth. Yet in the USA 34% of all basketball injuries involve the teeth and/or oral cavity! The damage can be severe, painful and very costly to repair.  Most injuries occur to the upper front teeth which are permanent teeth on players 6 years and older.  Any damage to the teeth will therefore be present for the rest of the player’s life.

The following dental injuries occurred playing basketball. (These players were not wearing mouthguards.)

Tooth partially knocked out from elbow.

Pulp of tooth has died after trauma and needs endodontic treatment.

There is a simple way to protect the teeth and mouth from a lot of these potential traumas. Wear a mouthguard!  

• Sport and Recreation Victoria recommend “All players, including children, should wear a mouthguard during training and competition. Custom-made mouthguards are preferable. “

A properly fitted mouthguard will offer the greatest protection, and be the most comfortable to wear.  The initial cost may be greater but at least the kids will wear them.  

Thank you to Grant Simkiss for providing this information.

Sportsguard mouthguard suppliers will be in attendance on Registration Days  from 10am - 12.30pm to take impressions for mouthguards (for collection about a week later).  Cost is from $55-$85 for juniors, $99 for seniors, (claimable under dental extras cover).