Finding the perfect mouthguard for your active child can prevent dental injuries and save you from unexpected dental visits. Athletes without proper mouth protection face significantly higher risks of dental trauma during sports, potentially resulting in painful treatments, missed school days, and substantial emergency dental expenses for families.
Whether your child plays basketball, football, hockey, or participates in martial arts, a properly fitted mouthguard is essential protective equipment. At Open Bright Pediatric Dentistry, we understand the importance of keeping your child’s smile safe during sports and physical activities. Dr. Laurie creates custom-fitted mouthguards that provide superior protection while allowing for comfortable speech and breathing during active play.
Why Mouthguards Matter
Mouthguards act as shock absorbers that protect teeth, soft tissues, and jaw bones during impact. Athletes are about 60 times more likely to suffer teeth injuries when not wearing a mouthguard during sports activities. These protective devices distribute the force of an impact across the entire mouth rather than concentrating it on a specific area.
A good mouthguard can prevent:
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Cuts to lips, tongue, and cheeks
- Jaw fractures
- Concussions (by cushioning blows to the chin)
More than 5 million teeth are knocked out each year during youth sporting events, with many of these injuries preventable through proper mouth protection. Investing in a quality mouthguard is far less expensive than the potential dental treatments resulting from sports injuries.
Types of Mouthguards Available
There are three main categories of mouthguards to consider for your child:
Stock Mouthguards
These ready-to-wear protectors come in standard sizes and are available at most sporting goods stores. While they’re the most affordable option, they offer several disadvantages:
- Limited sizing options (typically just small, medium, and large)
- A bulkier design that may interfere with speaking and breathing
- Cannot be adjusted to fit your child’s unique dental structure
- May require your child to keep their mouth partially closed to stay in place
Stock mouthguards are better than no protection at all, but they provide the least protection and comfort of all options.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
These thermoplastic mouthguards become pliable when heated in hot water, allowing your child to form the guard to their teeth by biting down and using finger and tongue pressure. Benefits include:
- Better fit than stock mouthguards
- More comfortable with reasonable speaking ability
- Available at most sporting goods stores
- Moderately priced
While an improvement over stock options, boil-and-bite guards still don’t offer the same level of protection as custom-made alternatives.
Custom-Made Mouthguards
Created by dental professionals, these mouthguards are made from impressions of your child’s teeth to ensure a perfect fit. Custom mouthguards offer:
- Superior protection due to precise fitting
- Maximum comfort with minimal bulk
- Excellent retention (stays in place reliably)
- Ability to speak normally while wearing
- Durability that often outlasts other options
Though custom mouthguards require a visit to a dental office and represent the highest initial investment, their superior protection, comfort, and longevity make them the best choice for regular athletes, especially those in high-impact sports.
Special Considerations for Children with Braces
Children with braces need special attention when selecting a mouthguard. A properly fitted mouthguard will protect the braces and the soft tissues from damage during sports.
For children with braces, consider:
- Choosing a mouthguard specifically designed for braces-wearers
- Selecting a guard that covers upper and potentially lower teeth
- Using a mouthguard with enough flexibility to accommodate orthodontic adjustments
- Consulting with both your orthodontist and pediatric dentist for recommendations
Many orthodontists and pediatric dentists recommend custom-made mouthguards for children with braces, as they provide the best protection while accommodating the unique challenges braces present.
Caring for Your Child’s Mouthguard
Proper maintenance extends the life of a mouthguard and keeps it hygienic. Teach your child these important care steps:
- Rinse the mouthguard with cool water or mouthwash before and after each use
- Clean with mild soap and a toothbrush regularly
- Store in a ventilated case when not in use
- Avoid hot surfaces and direct sunlight
- Examine regularly for signs of wear or damage
- Replace when showing signs of wearing thin or developing holes
- Bring to dental appointments for professional inspection
Most mouthguards need replacement every season or when they show significant wear. Custom mouthguards typically last longer but should still be checked regularly.
Trust Open Bright With Your Child’s Sports Safety
Protecting your child’s smile during sports and physical activities requires proper equipment and professional guidance. At Open Bright, Dr. Laurie provides expert advice on selecting the right mouthguard for your child’s specific needs. With years of experience as a pediatric dental specialist and former director of a residency program, Dr. Laurie understands the unique dental needs of active children and can create custom mouthguards offering superior protection and comfort.
Contact us today at (347) 292-1757 or through our contact form to schedule a consultation for your child’s custom mouthguard.
