A mouthguard is a specially made, rubber-like cover and fits exactly over your teeth and gums, cushioning them and protecting them from damage.

It is important to wear a professionally made mouthguard whenever you play sport that involves physical contact or moving objects. Cricket, hockey and football, American football, boxing and rugby etc. are all sporting activities where injury to the mouth and teeth often occur.  Fractured teeth, broken and dislocated jaw bones are common, a mouthguard will help protect against these events.

Depending on your age, your mouthguard may need replacing regularly. If you are still growing, new teeth will come through and move into position. The mouthguard may become too tight or loose, and will need to be remade to fit the new shape of your mouth.

Adults may not need to have their mouthguards replaced quite so often. But they are like any other form of sports equipment and will suffer from wear and tear. It is recommended that you take your mouthguard along to the dentist when you go for your check-up, so it can be checked.

• Available in different designs and colours - with your name printed on