Is your mouthguard still protecting you? What every parent and athlete should know

Why mouthguards matter

In Australia, sports are played by 3 million children (under 15) and 11 million adults¹, each year. Many of these participants play sports where collisions, falls or accidental impacts can occur, increasing the importance of appropriate protective equipment such as mouthguards.

A custom-made mouthguard is designed specifically for your teeth and gums, giving you the best fit, comfort, and protection. Recommended by dentists and athletes, it helps absorb impacts to the face and mouth, lowering the risk of broken teeth, cuts to the lips and gums, and other serious dental injuries that may happen during sport.

8 signs it's time to replace your mouthguard

For adults, a custom-fitted mouthguard may last several years if properly maintained, but regular checks are still important and knowing the signs you might need an upgrade are important.

1. It no longer fits snugly

This seems obvious but it’s important to recognise whether you are biting down on your mouthguard. A mouthguard should stay in place comfortably without needing to be constantly bitten down on.

If it feels loose, falls out easily or moves around when you talk, it may no longer be providing adequate protection. Mouthguards can stretch and warp over time so keep on top of your fit.

Even small changes in fit can reduce the mouthguard's ability to absorb impact effectively.

2. Your child has lost or gained teeth

Just like their curious minds, children's mouths develop and change quickly too. If baby teeth have fallen out, new adult teeth have erupted or orthodontic treatment has altered the position of teeth, an old mouthguard may no longer fit correctly.

3. There are visible signs of wear and tear

Make sure you’re clocking:

• Cracks
• Tears
• Holes
• Thin spots
• Chewed edges

These can all reduce the mouthguard's ability to absorb impact. According to the 2026 Sports Mouthguard Guidelines, a mouthguard should be thick enough to absorb impacts while fitting securely over the teeth.

4. It feels uncomfortable

We want you to be able to concentrate on the game, not the guard! Your trusty mouthguard shouldn't cause pain, rubbing or irritation so if it does, book in with your dentist.

5. It has become distorted

Exposure to heat, such as being left in a hot car or direct sunlight, can cause some mouthguards to warp and even small changes in shape can affect protection.

6. There are hygiene concerns

If your mouthguard has persistent stains, odours or signs of mould despite regular cleaning, it's time to replace it, nobody wants a smelly mouthguard.

7. It's several seasons old

Even if it appears fine, a mouthguard that's been used regularly for multiple seasons may have experienced enough wear to compromise its effectiveness.

If you've had braces fitted or removed, or significant dental treatment such as crowns or veneers, your mouthguard should also be checked to ensure it still fits properly.

8. After a heavy knock, get it checked

Even if your mouthguard looks undamaged, a heavy impact can affect how well it protects your teeth. If you've taken a significant blow to the face or mouth, bring your mouthguard to your dentist to make sure it's still providing the protection you need. HBF Dental recommend checking mouthguards annually, particularly for growing children and active athletes.

Video: Why is good dental health so important? A dentist explains

Tooth be told…

A mouthguard is one of the easiest ways to help protect your smile during sport, but only if it's still in good condition. If it's loose, damaged, uncomfortable or no longer fits properly, it may not be providing the protection you need while performing.

For children whose teeth are changing and athletes who train regularly, a quick yearly check could help ensure a mouthguard is still guarding as it should.