Game on, mouthguard in
CQUniversity is encouraging families, athletes and sporting clubs to put oral health front and centre this Dental Health Week by wearing a professionally made mouthguard every time they play or train.
While the message "No mouthguard, no play" is well known, CQUniversity Oral Health students are taking that message one step further, gaining hands-on experience in designing and fabricating custom-made mouthguards that help protect against serious dental injuries.
CQUniversity Head of Course for Oral Health Karen Smart said sport-related injuries to the teeth, mouth and jaw could have lifelong consequences but were often preventable.
"Dental injuries can happen in an instant, but the impact can last a lifetime," Ms Smart said.
"A professionally fitted mouthguard offers the highest level of protection because it is designed specifically for each person's mouth. It provides superior fit, comfort and retention compared with over-the-counter alternatives, making it much more effective at absorbing and distributing the force of an impact.
"Mouthguards shouldn't just be worn on game day. Training sessions can be just as physical, so it's important to wear a mouthguard whenever there is a risk of injury."
As part of their clinical training, CQUniversity Oral Health students are learning every stage of the mouthguard fabrication process, from taking impressions and creating models through to manufacturing and fitting the finished product.
Second year Bachelor of Oral Health student Bree Timmermans said learning to create custom-made mouthguards had been one of the highlights of her second year.
"I've really enjoyed learning the fabrication process because it's something I'd never done before," Bree said.
"We start by taking impressions, creating study models and then use those to make mouthguards and other appliances. It's been really rewarding to realise I'm better at it than I thought I would be.
"I think it's important that we make these ourselves first because it helps us understand exactly what our patients will experience. If something feels uncomfortable, we know how to improve it so we're providing the best possible result."
Bree said knowing the mouthguards could help prevent serious injuries made the practical experience even more meaningful.
"It's rewarding knowing that something you've made could protect someone's teeth while they're playing sport," she said.
"Even though more practices are moving into digital technology, it's still important to understand the traditional techniques so we have those skills wherever we work in the future."
Ms Smart said the practical experience was an important part of preparing students for professional practice.
"Our students are developing valuable technical skills while learning firsthand how oral health practitioners can help prevent dental injuries before they happen," she said.
"Preventive care is one of the foundations of good oral health, and being able to provide custom-made mouthguards is another way our graduates can support healthier communities."
Bree said the hands-on clinical experience had reinforced why she chose a career in oral health.
"My favourite part of the degree is seeing patients," she said.
"After spending first year in the classroom, being able to put our knowledge into practice and help people in the community has been really exciting."
Ms Smart encouraged anyone participating in contact or high-impact sports to make a professionally fitted mouthguard part of their regular sporting routine.
"Prevention is always better than treatment when it comes to dental injuries," she said.
"A custom-made mouthguard is one of the best investments you can make to protect your smile.
“Whether you're playing football, hockey, basketball, rugby or any sport where there's a risk of impact, wear your mouthguard every time you play and every time you train."
Whether you're looking to protect your teeth on the sporting field or build a career in oral healthcare, CQUniversity can help. Book a custom-made mouthguard appointment through the CQUniversity Health Clinics or explore CQUniversity's Oral Health study pathways and courses online.
