With 66% of sports injury hospitalisations linked to collisions or falls, dental professionals are calling on parents and amateur athletes to prioritize mouthguard use as the 2026 season approaches. Recent government data indicates that 19% of participants in various sporting activities have sustained injuries, particularly in collision-heavy sports such as AFL and Rugby, which have more than double the hospitalisation rates compared to other recreational sports.
Urgent Call for Action
Despite the evident risks, only 36% of Australians reportedly wear mouthguards during contact sports, and even fewer utilize them during training sessions. Dr. Mark Dohlad, Principal Dental Officer at Bupa Dental, highlighted the critical need for parents to ensure their children are adequately protected as the junior sports season begins. Many young athletes train and compete without proper mouth protection or use mouthguards that no longer fit their growing mouths.
“Kids’ mouths grow and change quickly, which means a mouthguard that fitted last season may not offer the protection parents assume it does,” Dr. Dohlad explained. “Too often, dentists see preventable injuries occur early in the season or at training when mouthguards are forgotten or poorly fitting.” According to Dr. Dohlad, these injuries can leave teeth, jaws, and soft tissue vulnerable during impacts.
Custom Fitting for Maximum Protection
Dr. Dohlad advocates for professionally fitted, custom-made mouthguards as the most effective defense against sports-related injuries, including fractured teeth and broken jaws. “While over-the-counter ‘boil and bite’ mouthguards are better than nothing, they simply don’t provide the same level of coverage or stability,” he stated. “They are more likely to loosen or fall out during play, especially in fast-moving sports like football, rugby, or basketball.”
In contrast, professionally fitted mouthguards are tailored to an individual’s bite, ensuring they remain securely in place during both games and training. Dr. Dohlad emphasized that this fit enhances players’ confidence and gives parents peace of mind, knowing their children are adequately protected.
Bupa Health Insurance members with eligible Extras cover can receive 100% reimbursement for standard fitted mouthguards at participating clinics within Bupa’s national network. “The fitting process is simple and painless,” Dr. Dohlad noted. “It begins with a short visit for a scan or impression, allowing kids to choose their team colors. A follow-up appointment ensures the mouthguard fits comfortably and securely.”
Once equipped with proper mouth protection, young athletes can focus on enjoying their games, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing their overall sporting experience. As the 2026 season approaches, securing well-fitted mouthguards should be a priority for parents and coaches alike.
