Your child means everything to you, and you’re dedicated to keeping them safe in every way possible. Make sure you bring that same commitment to protecting their teeth. Sports injuries are common, painful, and expensive, and they can even lead to lasting damage. Young athletes who skip wearing a mouthguard are 60% more likely to suffer dental injuries.
Always remind your child to wear a mouthguard before every practice or game. It’s a simple and effective way to protect their pearly whites and the surrounding area.
The Role of a Mouthguard
As a Utah family dentistry, we cannot stress enough the importance of mouthguards for little athletes. They absorb shock and protect the teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongue from injury during sports. A mouthguard can help prevent broken or knocked-out teeth and reduce cuts and bruises in the mouth.
But that’s not all—it can even help protect against concussions by reducing the impact on the jaw when a blow occurs. If you can prevent all that with a simple mouthguard, making it a regular part of your little athlete’s uniform is a no-brainer.
Types of Mouthguards
When it comes to choosing the right mouthguard, there are a few options.
- Stock mouthguards: These are ready to wear but don’t always fit well, making breathing or talking tough.
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards: These are made from thermoplastic material, so you can soften them in hot water and mold them to fit your child’s teeth more comfortably.
- Custom-fit mouthguard: These are made by a dentist to fit your little athlete’s mouth just right. They offer the best protection and comfort, making it easier for your child to play without worrying about their teeth or safety.
When choosing a mouthguard for your child, consider their size and age and which sport they play. Contact sports like hockey, football, and wrestling have a higher risk for mouth and teeth injury, so choosing a custom mouth guard is more necessary. Smaller children will need a smaller mouthguard for their little mouths.
Mouthguards Can Enhance Performance
The number-one goal of a mouthguard is to protect the mouth. But guess what? Mouthguards aren’t just about protection—they can help athletes perform at their best, too!
- Improved focus: Wearing a mouthguard can reduce distractions from pain or discomfort, allowing athletes to focus better on the game.
- Better breathing: A well-fitting mouthguard helps maintain open airways, allowing for easier breathing during intense physical activity.
- Increased confidence: Knowing their teeth and mouths are protected can boost a little athlete’s confidence, allowing them to play without fear of injury.
- Enhanced jaw alignment: You know we’re all about proper jaw alignment. A mouthguard can help align the jaw, promoting better posture and reducing muscle tension in the head, neck, and shoulders.
- Reduced risk of concussions: By absorbing shock and reducing impact on the jaw, mouthguards can lower the risk of concussions, keeping athletes healthier in the long run.
- Prevents discomfort: Protects the mouth from cuts, bruises, and tooth damage, allowing athletes to stay comfortable and focused during play.
Caring for Your Child’s Mouthguard
Taking care of your child’s mouthguard is key to ensuring it works properly and keeps them safe. First and foremost, you want to make sure it fits just right. It will be uncomfortable if it’s too big, small, loose, or tight, which could distract them during play. Plus, it won’t offer the best protection.
Check their mouthguard regularly—if it starts looking worn out or damaged, it’s time for a replacement. A mouthguard in good condition keeps your child’s teeth and mouth safe while they focus on playing their best. Taking care of your child’s mouthguard is pretty simple, but it makes a big difference in keeping it in top shape. Here’s how to do it:
- Rinse after every use: Always use cold water to rinse the mouthguard after every game or practice to remove saliva and debris. Stay away from hot water, as it can warp the material and mess up the fit.
- Brush gently: Don’t forget to clean it after every use to keep bacteria at bay. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles, along with mouthwash or mild soap to clean your child’s mouthguard. Stay away from harsh soaps or chemicals—those can cause more harm than good.
- Allow it to dry completely: After cleaning, let the mouthguard air dry completely before storing it. Otherwise, you might have bacterial growth, which you want to avoid.
- Store it properly: Store the mouthguard in a case allowing airflow (with vents) to protect it from dirt and bacteria. Keep it out of the sun or extreme heat, as this can cause it to lose shape.
- Check for damage: Inspect the mouthguard regularly for any cracks, tears, or If you spot any issues, don’t hesitate to replace it—better safe than sorry!
- No chewing: Remind your child that the mouthguard is for protection, not chewing or playing. Chewing on it can weaken the material and make it less effective when they need it.
- Keep it away from ets: Pets tend to love adopting mouthguards as their new chewing toy. For this reason, keep it up and away from your pets.
By following these simple care tips, your child’s mouthguard will stay clean, comfortable, and ready for action, providing solid protection for their teeth during sports.
Given all the benefits a mouthguard offers during sports, there’s no reason not to get one for your child. If they haven’t been wearing one yet, don’t wait—head straight to your Davis County dentist to get a custom mouthguard that fits your little athlete perfectly. It’ll protect their smile, help them stay focused, and even boost their performance on the field, court, or ice!