We get it. Mouthguards aren’t the most exciting part of your kit. They can feel bulky, uncomfortable, and for some, like an optional extra. You might figure you’ll be fine without one, especially if it’s just training or you’ve never had a hit to the mouth before. But here’s the truth: it only takes one. It’s like driving without a seatbelt. You might get lucky… until you don’t. At CHAMP, we’ve seen what can go wrong, and it’s not pretty.
A single impact
Our co-founder Ersin, a certified dental prosthetist, has treated athletes of all levels, and he’s got the stories to back it up.
“I’ve seen the damage firsthand – chipped teeth and split lips that could’ve been completely avoided by wearing a properly fitted mouthguard,” he says. “The worst cases are those that lead to lifelong issues: nerve damage, lost teeth, or the need for implants.”
And that’s the reality for thousands of players every year. Whether it’s footy, rugby, boxing, or hockey, all it takes is one accidental elbow or head clash while you’re not wearing a mouthguard, and you could be in for some expensive dental work. A single moment can lead to thousands in dental bills, not to mention the stress, pain, and downtime from your sport.
A good mouthguard does more than just sit in your mouth. It absorbs shock, distributes force, and protects vital areas like your teeth, jaw, and gums from serious trauma.
“The cost of a custom mouthguard is minimal compared to what you’ll pay after an injury,” Ersin says. “Prevention is always cheaper – and far less painful.”
And it’s not just matches. Training sessions can be just as risky, if not more so. You’re not always expecting contact, which is exactly when injuries happen. According to the Australian Dental Association, sports-related injuries account for nearly 40% of dental injuries, yet only 36% of Australians wear a mouthguard when playing contact sport, and even fewer wear one during training. It's a stat we’re working hard to change.
Not all mouthguards are created equal
At CHAMP, our mouthguards are designed to contour perfectly to your mouth, which means no slipping, no chewing, and no gagging. Just solid, secure protection that stays in place and feels so natural you’ll almost forget you’re wearing it.
Pro NRL athlete Jacob Liddle knows the value of a good guard.
“I’ve worn a mouthguard from day one. What I love about CHAMP's mouthguards is how snug they fit – you can talk, breathe, and play without even thinking about it,” he says. “A few years ago, I had a front-on collision straight to the teeth. I was a bit dazed and had a moment of panic, but I checked my mouthguard and everything was fine. It gave me a scare, but the guard did its job perfectly.”
And that’s what it comes down to. You shouldn’t have to worry about your teeth when you’re chasing the win. A properly fitted mouthguard gives you one less thing to think about.
So if you’re tossing up whether it’s worth it, consider this your sign. Ask any dental professional, or any athlete who’s learned the hard way, and they’ll tell you: going without protection can cost you a lot more than a few bucks. And once you’ve tried a CHAMP mouthguard, you won’t want to play without it.