Sports mouthguards are like crash helmets for your teeth. Mouthguards are strongly recommended to prevent tooth damage or loss, especially if playing a contact sport. They reduce cuts to the lip, mouth and tongue, jaw fractures and the risk of concussion.

Mouthguards are U-shaped pieces of plastic that fit between the upper and lower teeth, protectively moulding around the upper teeth.

Custom-made mouthguards by your dentist provide an excellent fit and protection, but are much more expensive than an off-the-shelf product.

However, according to the reference text Sports Injury Management
' when properly fitted, the mouth formed (thermal) guard can virtually match the efficacy and comfort of the custom-made guard'.

Boil-and-bite mouth guards are made of a thermoplastic material that softens when boiled and will then mould around the teeth when bitten down on. Boil-and-bite mouth guards are a good choice for children who are losing and growing teeth and have an ever-changing bite.

The Elastoplast Sports thermoplastic mouthguards are high-quality thermal guards that are:

* durable
* inexpensive
* easy to fit using the boil-and-bite method.