The types of dental trauma caused by sporting injury include fractured, cracked or knocked out teeth, damage to the tooth nerve, a broken jaw and injuries to the tongue and lips.

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) advises it is always better to ‘play it safe’ and wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth when playing sports or activities where contact is a part of the game and for those where accidental collision occurs such touch football, bike riding, cricket and soccer.

Once the mouth guard is fitted, your dentist will advise you how to wear and care for it properly.