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Croydon Dental Practice · Protect your teeth
A mouthguard made to fit your own teeth helps protect them during contact and impact sports. We make custom-fitted sports mouthguards for children and adults at our dentist in Croydon on Lower Addiscombe Road.
Dental injuries are common in sport, and front teeth are the most exposed. A knock from a ball, stick, elbow or fall can chip, crack, loosen or knock out a tooth, and can also cut the lips, cheeks and tongue. Some injuries are simple to repair; others need root canal treatment, crowns or, if a tooth is lost, a bridge or implant, often with ongoing maintenance for years.
A mouthguard spreads the force of a blow across the teeth and cushions the soft tissues. It cannot prevent every injury, but it can reduce the risk and severity of damage. Many clubs and governing bodies recommend or require mouthguards for sports such as rugby, hockey, boxing and martial arts, and they are worth considering for basketball, lacrosse, skateboarding, cricket when batting or keeping close to the stumps, and other sports where contact or falls are likely.
There are three broad types of mouthguard. They all aim to protect the teeth, but they differ in fit and comfort.
Pre-formed and sold ready to wear. They are the cheapest option but are usually bulky and loose, which makes speaking and breathing harder and means they are often taken out.
Softened in hot water and moulded by biting into them. Better than stock guards and widely available, but the fit and thickness vary, and they can be easily bitten through or end up thin in places.
Made on a model of your own teeth. They follow the shape of your mouth closely, so they tend to stay in place, feel less bulky and are easier to talk and breathe in. They cost more than shop-bought guards.
A mouthguard only protects you if it is in your mouth. The main advantage of a custom-fitted guard is comfort and fit, which makes players more likely to wear it for the whole session rather than tucking it into a sock. For players in regular contact sport, or anyone who has already had a dental injury, crown or bonding on their front teeth, a custom-fitted guard is often worth considering. A well-fitting boil-and-bite guard is still much better than no guard at all, so if cost is a concern, talk to us about what is sensible for you.
Most people need two short visits.
Children who play contact sport benefit from mouthguards too, but a growing mouth brings some extra considerations. As baby teeth are lost and adult teeth come through, a custom guard can stop fitting, sometimes within a season. We will advise when a new one is likely to be needed and check the fit at regular check-ups. For younger children with a changing mix of teeth, a well-fitted boil-and-bite guard may be a practical option between custom guards.
If your child knocks out an adult tooth, hold it by the crown, not the root, keep it moist in milk and call us straight away; see our emergency dentist in Croydon page. Baby teeth should not be put back. Our children’s dentist in Croydon page has more on caring for young teeth.
If you wear fixed braces, a standard custom guard may not fit, because teeth are moving and the brackets change the shape of the teeth. Your orthodontic team can advise on a suitable guard for training and matches. Do not play contact sport wearing clear aligners in place of a mouthguard: they are not designed to protect teeth from impact. As an orthodontic practice, Addiscombe Orthodontics can guide you on what is suitable during your treatment.
Rinse with cool water after use and brush gently. Let it dry before storing.
Store it in a ventilated case away from heat. Do not leave it in a hot car or on a radiator, as it can warp.
Look for tears, thin spots or a loose fit. Bring it to your check-ups so we can look at it.
Replace a guard if it is damaged, no longer fits, or after dental treatment that changes your teeth.
Because the right guard depends on your age, sport and teeth, we confirm the price at your appointment before anything is made.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Custom-fitted sports mouthguard | Priced at your appointment |
| New patient examination with X-rays | £65 |
| Emergency appointment after a sports injury | £65 |
Sports mouthguards are not usually available on the NHS. See our full price list for other treatment costs.
Croydon Dental Practice is at 202 Lower Addiscombe Road, Addiscombe, Croydon CR0 7AB. Addiscombe tram stop is a short walk away and East Croydon station is nearby, so it is easy to reach from across the borough. We are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:30; Saturday appointments are by request and we are closed on Sunday.
What to do after a knocked-out or broken tooth.
Check-ups and care for young sports players.
Repairing chipped front teeth with tooth-coloured material.
A different appliance for protecting teeth from grinding.
The price depends on your age, sport and teeth, so we confirm it at your appointment before the guard is made.
Custom-fitted guards usually fit more closely and are more comfortable, which makes people more likely to wear them. Any well-fitting guard is better than none.
Usually two: one for a check and impressions, and one to fit the finished guard.
Yes. Because children’s mouths change as adult teeth come through, the guard may need replacing more often. We will advise on timing.
Yes, but it needs to suit your braces. Ask our orthodontic team for advice. Clear aligners are not a substitute for a sports mouthguard.
No. A sports guard is designed to absorb impact. A night guard or splint is designed to protect teeth from grinding.
Book an appointment for a custom-fitted sports mouthguard before the season starts. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:30.
