Mouthguards for Kids: Preventing Dental Injuries during Sports

Common Sports That Require Mouthguards for Kids

Certain sports present higher risks for dental injuries and mouthguards are often recommended to protect children from chipped or knocked-out teeth, broken jaws, and soft tissue injuries like lip cuts. Below are some popular sports where kids should wear mouthguards.

1. Soccer
   • Soccer is a high-contact sport, and while it may seem less dangerous to the mouth compared to football or hockey, accidental collisions or falls can lead to dental injuries. Kids often collide with other players, the ball, or the ground, making mouth protection crucial.
2. Basketball
   • Basketball involves frequent jumping, rapid movements, and occasional physical contact, which can lead to dental injuries from elbows, falls, or accidental head bumps. A mouthguard helps cushion the impact and reduce the risk of damage to the teeth.
3. Football
   • Football is notorious for its high level of contact. It’s one of the most common sports where mouthguards are mandatory because of the extreme risk of mouth injuries. With tackles and rough physical play, a child’s teeth and jaw are highly vulnerable without proper protection.
4. Hockey
   • Both ice hockey and field hockey pose a significant risk to a child’s dental health. Whether it’s from a high-speed puck or stick or accidental body contact, mouth injuries are common. Mouthguards are often required for youth players to prevent severe dental damage.
5. Gymnastics
   • Gymnastics might not immediately come to mind when thinking about mouthguards, but the sport involves high-speed flips, spins, and tumbles that can easily result in falls or collisions. A mouthguard can help protect a gymnast’s teeth from accidents during routines.

The Risks Involved in These Sports for Children’s Dental Health

Dental injuries can be painful, costly, and have long-term consequences. Some of the most common injuries from sports without a mouthguard include:

• Fractured Teeth: Hard impacts can cause teeth to crack or chip, requiring extensive dental procedures.
• Knocked-Out Teeth: In severe cases, a hit to the face may knock a tooth out completely, which can be traumatic for both children and parents.
• Jaw Injuries: Without a mouthguard to absorb some of the force, impacts can damage the jawbone, leading to misalignment or fractures.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Biting down hard during a fall or hit can cause cuts and bruising to the gums, cheeks, and lips, which are painful and may require stitches.

Types of Mouthguards: Which One is Best for Your Child?

When it comes to protecting your child’s teeth during sports or other activities, choosing the right mouthguard is essential. Mouthguards can significantly reduce the risk of dental injuries, but not all mouthguards are created equal. Parents have several options for their kids, ranging from over-the-counter options to custom-fitted mouthguards provided by pediatric dentists. Here’s an overview of the different types of mouthguards available and why custom-made options are often the best choice for your child.

Different Types of Mouthguards

1. Stock Mouthguards
   • Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and come ready to wear. They are available at most sporting goods stores and are the least expensive option. However, they are also the least effective because they are not customizable and may not fit your child’s teeth properly. Since they are one-size-fits-all, stock mouthguards can feel bulky and uncomfortable, making it harder for children to breathe or speak while wearing them.
2. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
   • Boil-and-bite mouthguards are a step up from stock mouthguards in terms of fit. These mouthguards are made from thermoplastic material that becomes pliable when heated in water. After boiling, the guard can be bitten into, allowing it to conform somewhat to your child’s teeth. While they offer a better fit than stock options, boil-and-bite mouthguards still don’t provide the same level of protection or comfort as custom-made mouthguards.
3. Custom-Made Mouthguards
   • Custom-made mouthguards are the gold standard for dental protection. They are designed specifically for your child’s mouth, based on impressions taken by a dentist. This type of mouthguard offers the highest level of comfort, protection, and durability. Custom mouthguards are particularly beneficial for kids with braces, as they can be tailored to fit around the orthodontic appliances.

Benefits of Custom-Made Mouthguards 

Custom-made mouthguards offer numerous benefits, especially when provided by Summerlin kids dentistry clinic in that specialize in pediatric dental care. Here’s why they stand out:

• Perfect Fit for Comfort and Protection: Because custom mouthguards are created from a precise mold of your child’s teeth, they offer a snug and comfortable fit. This ensures that the mouthguard stays in place during sports activities, providing maximum protection. A well-fitted mouthguard reduces the risk of dental injuries, such as chipped teeth or jaw fractures.
• Durability: Custom-made mouthguards are typically crafted from high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting. Unlike stock or boil-and-bite options, which may wear out quickly, custom mouthguards are designed to withstand rigorous activity.
• Tailored to Specific Needs: If your child wears braces or other orthodontic devices, custom mouthguards can be specifically designed to accommodate them. This ensures that the mouthguard provides adequate protection without causing discomfort or interfering with orthodontic treatment.
• Enhanced Comfort: Custom-made mouthguards are much more comfortable than stock or boil-and-bite varieties, allowing your child to speak and breathe easily while wearing them. This makes it more likely that your child will wear the mouthguard consistently during sports activities, ensuring continuous protection.

Why Pediatric Dentists Recommend Custom-Fitted Mouthguards for Optimal Protection

Pediatric dentists often recommend custom-fitted mouthguards for children engaged in sports for several reasons:

1. Superior Protection: Custom-fitted mouthguards are designed specifically for your child’s unique dental structure, ensuring that they offer the best possible protection. By fitting snugly, these mouthguards provide shock absorption during impacts, reducing the likelihood of serious dental injuries such as fractured teeth, concussions, or soft tissue damage.
2. Comfort Leads to Compliance: One of the biggest challenges parents face is ensuring that their children actually wear their mouthguards during activities. Custom-fitted mouthguards are more comfortable than generic versions, making it easier for children to wear them regularly without complaints. Pediatric dentists emphasize that when a mouthguard is comfortable, a child is more likely to wear it consistently, which in turn offers better protection.
3. Long-Term Cost Savings: While custom-fitted mouthguards may have a higher upfront cost than stock or boil-and-bite versions, they offer better long-term value. The superior protection they provide can prevent costly dental procedures, such as crowns, bridges, or dental implants, which may be required if a child suffers a significant dental injury.
4. Tailored for Growing Kids: Pediatric dentists can regularly assess the fit of custom-made mouthguards as your child grows. This ensures that the mouthguard continues to provide optimal protection, even as their teeth and jaws develop.

How to Properly Care for Your Child’s Mouthguard

Tips on Cleaning and Maintaining Mouthguards  

1. Clean the Mouthguard After Each Use
   • After every game or practice, rinse the mouthguard with cool water to remove saliva and debris. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the mouthguard and affect the fit.
   • Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap to gently scrub the mouthguard at least once a day. This helps remove bacteria and plaque buildup that could cause unpleasant odors and degrade the material over time.
   • For deeper cleaning, you can soak the mouthguard in a non-alcohol-based mouthwash or a special dental cleaning solution designed for retainers or mouthguards. This helps kill any lingering bacteria and freshen the mouthguard.
2. Inspect Regularly for Wear and Tear
   • Routinely check the mouthguard for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, thinning, or rough edges. These issues can compromise its effectiveness and comfort.
   • If the mouthguard shows signs of wear, it may no longer provide adequate protection, and a replacement might be necessary.
3. Avoid Biting or Chewing on the Mouthguard
   • Remind your child not to bite or chew on their mouthguard, as this can cause damage and reduce its protective qualities. Mouthguards are designed to absorb impacts, but constant biting weakens the material, making it less effective over time.

Storing Mouthguards Safely When Not in Use

1. Store in a Ventilated Case
   • After cleaning, always store the mouthguard in a sturdy, ventilated case. This prevents damage and allows air circulation to keep it dry and bacteria-free. A moist environment can promote bacterial growth, leading to odors and potential health issues.
2. Keep Away from Extreme Temperatures
   • Mouthguards are sensitive to heat, so avoid leaving them in direct sunlight, a hot car, or near a heat source, as this can cause the material to warp or melt. Similarly, exposure to cold temperatures can make the material brittle.
3. Keep the Mouthguard Away from Pets
   • Pets, especially dogs, are often attracted to mouthguards due to their scent. To prevent them from becoming a chew toy, make sure the mouthguard is stored out of reach in a protective case when not in use.

When to Replace a Mouthguard?  

1. Replace After Signs of Damage
   • If the mouthguard develops cracks, holes, or thinning areas, it’s time for a replacement. Damaged mouthguards won’t provide adequate protection and could actually increase the risk of injury.
2. Check for Fit Issues
   • As children grow, their teeth and jaws change, which can affect the fit of the mouthguard. If the mouthguard no longer fits snugly or feels uncomfortable, it may need adjustment or replacement. Ill-fitting mouthguards can shift during play, offering less protection.
3. Replace Annually or as Recommended by Your Dentist
   • Even if there are no visible signs of damage, it’s a good idea to replace a mouthguard once a year, especially for kids who are in growth phases. Pediatric dentists typically recommend annual replacement to ensure the mouthguard continues to offer optimal protection.
4. If Your Child Has Braces
   • For children with braces, it’s essential to monitor the fit closely as orthodontic treatment progresses. Adjustments to the mouthguard may be necessary to ensure it continues to fit properly and protect both teeth and braces.