Does your child use a mouthguard when playing sports or engaging in physical activities? If so, you’re taking a great first step in protecting their smile. But not all mouthguards are created equal, and ensuring that the mouthguard your child uses offers proper protection is essential for their oral health.
As parents, we want our children to stay safe whether they’re scoring goals in soccer, perfecting their basketball shot, or just riding bikes with friends. A well-fitted mouthguard can be the difference between safeguarding your child’s teeth and a costly emergency trip to the dentist. Here, we’ll explore what makes a good mouthguard, why quality matters, and what you can do to ensure your child’s mouthguard truly protects their teeth.
What Is a Mouthguard?
A mouthguard is a dental device typically made of soft, flexible material that cushions the teeth and jaw against impacts. It’s designed to absorb the force of a blow, reducing the risk of injuries to the teeth, lips, tongue, jawbone, and gums.
Mouthguards are particularly important for children and teenagers participating in contact sports like football, hockey, or lacrosse. However, they are also valuable for activities like gymnastics, skateboarding, or martial arts, where accidental falls may pose a risk to their teeth.
The Types of Mouthguards Available
When it comes to mouthguards, parents often face several choices. These include:
- Stock Mouthguards
These are "one size fits all" mouthguards that can be found in most sporting goods stores. While they’re inexpensive, stock mouthguards often don’t fit securely, reducing their effectiveness and increasing the likelihood of discomfort.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
These are molded at home by softening the material in hot water and allowing the child to bite down to shape the guard to their teeth. Available at sporting goods stores, boil-and-bite guards are more customizable than stock versions but may still fall short in terms of comfort and proper fit.
- Custom-Made Mouthguards
Custom mouthguards are crafted specifically for your child by a dentist. They provide the best fit, optimal comfort, and superior protection as they’re specifically designed to conform to your child’s unique dental structure.
Signs Your Child’s mouthguard May Fall Short
Even if your child wears a mouthguard, it may not be offering the protection they need if it doesn’t fit properly. Here are some warning signs to look out for:
- Frequent Discomfort: Does your child frequently complain that their mouthguard is uncomfortable or painful to wear? A poorly fitted mouthguard may not stay in place or cushion impacts effectively.
- Chewing on the Guard: If your child frequently chews on their mouthguard, it means the fit is likely loose, which can compromise its protective function.
- Falls Out Easily: A mouthguard that slips out or doesn’t cover all the teeth and gums properly won’t protect your child during activity.
- Visible Wear and Tear: Over time, damaged or worn-out mouthguards lose their protective ability and should be replaced.
Ensuring a proper fit is key to effective protection, which is where a professionally designed custom mouthguard comes into play.
Why Quality (and Fit) Matter
A high-quality, custom-fitted mouthguard offers more than comfort—it offers comprehensive protection. Studies have shown that custom mouthguards significantly reduce the risk of dental trauma, such as chipped or knocked-out teeth. They also help minimize the risk of soft tissue injuries inside the mouth.
Loose or ill-fitting mouthguards, on the other hand, may shift at critical moments, failing to protect your child during impact. Worse yet, they can make breathing and speaking more difficult, leading to reluctance from your child to wear them at all.
Additionally, low-quality materials can cause irritation or even allergic reactions in some children. Opting for a custom-made device from your dentist ensures that the materials used are safe, durable, and suited to your child’s needs.
What About the Cost?
Some parents may hesitate when considering custom mouthguards due to their upfront cost compared to over-the-counter options. While it’s true that stock or boil-and-bite guards are less expensive initially, consider the potential long-term savings. Custom mouthguards typically last longer due to their durability and precise fit, and more importantly, they provide the best protection against dental emergencies, which can become quite costly.
Creating the Perfect Mouthguard for Your Child
Creating a custom mouthguard involves a simple, painless process at the dentist's office. During an appointment, the dentist will take an impression of your child’s teeth, which will then be used to design a mouthguard that fits snugly and comfortably. The material used is strong yet pliable, built to absorb impact while providing maximum comfort.
Custom mouthguards can also be tailored to your child’s specific sport or activity, ensuring they receive the best protection possible. Whether your child participates in high-contact sports or activities with moderate risk, a custom solution offers peace of mind.
Teaching Your Child to Care for Their Mouthguard
A mouthguard is an investment in your child’s health and safety, and proper care ensures it stays effective. Here are some tips for maintaining their mouthguard:
- Rinse with cool water before and after each use.
- Clean with a soft toothbrush and mild soap regularly.
- Store in a ventilated, sturdy container to prevent damage or accumulation of bacteria.
- Avoid exposing it to high temperatures, which can distort the shape.
- Replace it at the first sign of damage or excessive wear.
Encourage your child to make wearing and caring for their mouthguard a habit so they can stay safe while enjoying their favorite activities.
Dental Checkups Play a Big Role, Too
Regular dental checkups are crucial for monitoring your child’s oral health and ensuring their mouthguard continues to fit properly as they grow. The team at Pediatric Dental Associates of Clinton is here to help your child maintain a healthy smile and stay safe during sports or other physical activities.
Our pediatric dentist, Dr. Mary Jo McGuire, is dedicated to protecting little smiles from injury and ensuring that your child’s teeth and gums stay healthy and strong in every stage of development.
Does Your Child’s Mouthguard Pass the Test?
Ensuring your child has the right mouthguard isn’t just about sports safety—it’s about giving them the best possible protection and comfort while they enjoy their activities. From preventing dental injuries to offering maximum comfort for daily wear, a custom mouthguard crafted by our team provides the highest level of care.
If you’re uncertain whether your child’s current mouthguard offers enough protection or you’d like to explore the benefits of a custom-made option, we will be glad to discuss this at your next appointment.