A sports mouthguard is a protective device worn over the teeth during sports activities to help prevent injuries to the mouth, teeth and surrounding tissues. Also known as a protective or athletic splint, it is usually made of flexible materials such as thermoplastic, which can be customized to fit a person's mouth.

Here are key points about sports splints:

• Protection: teeth, gums, lips and jaw from impact injuries during sports activities
  
• Common sports: usually in contact sports such as football, rugby, hockey and boxing. However, they are also recommended for sports such as basketball, football and gymnastics
• Personalised splints: made by a qualified dentist based on each patient for better fit, comfort and protection
• Important for athletes: an essential piece of protective equipment to help prevent dental injuries
• Preventing dental injuries: such as fractures in the teeth or jaws and soft tissue damage in the mouth.
• Care and Maintenance: splints should be kept clean and stored in a protective case when not in use. Regular inspection for wear is essential because they may need replacement if damaged.

Athletes of all ages and levels are encouraged to use sports splints to reduce the risk of dental injuries.