As parents, we always strive to protect our children. From making sure they wear helmets while biking to wearing seatbelts in the car, safety is a priority. When it comes to sports and physical activities, dentists recommend an essential piece of protective gear: a mouthguard.
APD Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Michael Wahl says, “Mouthguards are the easiest and best way to prevent sports-related, major traumatic injury to the mouth. They can prevent tooth loss, fractures, and harmful tooth movement.”
WHAT IS A MOUTHGUARD?
A mouthguard is a cushioning oral appliance that fits snugly over your teeth. It acts as an absorber for impact that can occur in sports, to help protect against injuries to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to lips, tongue, and cheeks. Mouthguards also prevent the jaws from coming together fully, reducing the risk of jaw joint injuries and concussion.
WHEN SHOULD YOUR CHILD WEAR A MOUTHGUARD?
Mouthguards are often recommended in both competitive and recreational sports in which collision, contact, or high-impact trauma are likely to occur. We see a lot of injuries occur with basketball, gymnastics, and skating. We encourage patients to wear their mouthguards during practice, training, and games.
PROTECTING YOUR BRACES
If your child wears braces, retainers, or other oral devices, ask your dentist about orthodontic mouthguards and what treatment options are right for you.
APD Lead Orthodontist, Dr. Matthew Cozin says, “A mouthguard is especially important for people with braces. It provides a barrier between the braces and the mouth’s soft tissues, like lips and cheeks. An impact to the face can also damage orthodontic brackets or other fixed appliances.”
Talk to your orthodontist about selecting a mouthguard that will provide the right protection for your smile and braces.
TYPES OF MOUTHGUARDS
Your child’s mouthguard should have a snug, comfortable fit but not restrict your ability to breathe or speak clearly. The types of mouthguards vary in price and comfort.
CUSTOM-MADE
Your child’s dentist can make a customized mouthguard to provide the highest level of protection, as well as ensuring the best comfort and fit. The team at Alameda Pediatric Dentistry uses an iTero scanner to create a digital scan (no putty impressions!) of the mouth and teeth. It is more accurate, faster, and better for the environment. This is the same technology that we use to create nightguards, Invisalign trays, whitening trays, and retainers.
BOIL AND BITE
If your child is still growing in their permanent teeth, a boil-and-bite mouthguard might be a good choice. These mouthguards can be remolded several times if necessary. To use this type of mouthguard, the guard is heated to a boil and then after a brief cooling period, can be placed into the mouth to make an impression. These can be purchased at many drugstores and sporting goods stores.
STOCK
These types of mouthguards are inexpensive and bought pre-formed and ready to wear. However, they often do not fit properly and therefore do not provide the best protection. They can be bulky and make breathing and talking difficult.
CARE AND REPLACEMENT
Your child’s dentist will tell you how best to care for your mouthguard. We recommend replacing your mouthguard every sports season, after a growth spurt, or once it shows signs of wear, damage, or becomes loose and does not fit properly. For children and teenagers, mouthguards may need to be replaced more often as their mouths change as they grow.
General care recommendations for mouthguards include:
- Between usage, it is important to keep the mouthguard clean and dry
- Rinse before and after each use with cold water or mouth rinse
- Clean every 1-2 weeks by soaking your mouthguard in a partial denture cleaner, or brush it clean with mild soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Avoid leaving the mouthguard in the sun or in hot water because it can warp and lose shape
- Store and transport your child’s mouthguard in a case that has vents to keep it dry and prevent bacterial growth
- Store your mouthguard where pets cannot get to it
- During your child’s routine dental checkups, bring in their mouthguards for evaluation
Every smile is unique and deserves the best protection tailored to an individual’s needs. A well-fitted mouthguard is the best defense to safeguard your smile and orthodontic investment. For more information on the importance of using mouthguard in sports or to schedule a consultation, contact Alameda Pediatric Dentistry today!
