All About Sport Mouth Guards for Kids

Playing sports is an excellent way for kids to stay active, socialize, and develop valuable skills like teamwork and discipline. However, sports also come with their fair share of risks, and one of the most common injuries kids can face is dental trauma. That’s where mouth guards come in.

This article will discuss everything parents need to know about sport mouth guards for kids.

Why are mouth guards essential?

A mouth guard is a protective device that covers the teeth and gums to reduce the risk of trauma or injury to the mouth and teeth during sports activities. They offer a number of benefits by caring for kid’s teeth, including the following:

Preventing tooth and oral injuries

High-impact sports, like football or hockey, increase the risk of oral injuries, including broken teeth, fractured jaws, and damage to soft mouth tissues. Wearing a mouth guard acts as a cushion and protective barrier, reducing the force of blows to the mouth and preventing injuries.

Reducing the risk of trauma

By providing a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, mouth guards can also help reduce the risk of concussions and other types of head and neck trauma.

Protecting against clenching and grinding

Mouth guards protect against the effects of clenching and grinding, which can cause damage to teeth and lead to jaw pain and headaches.

Supporting orthodontic treatment

Mouth guards can be worn during orthodontic treatment, such as braces, to protect the teeth and braces from damage during contact sports or other physical activities.

Enhancing performance

Some sports mouth guards are designed to improve breathing and increase oxygen flow to the muscles, enhancing performance and reducing fatigue.

A sports mouth guard is typically worn over the upper teeth and fits snugly against them.

There are several different types of mouth guards available, including the following:

Stock mouthguard

They are pre-formed and typically the least expensive. But they are also the least comfortable and offer the least amount of protection.

Boil-and-bite mouth guard

It can be moulded to fit an individual’s teeth, offering better protection and comfort than stock mouth guards.

Custom-fitted mouth guards

Made by a dental professional, they offer the highest level of protection and comfort, but they are also the most expensive.

Contact sports, intense recreational activities, and play

Sports and recreational activities involve the risk of oral injuries, such as contact sports like football, hockey, and boxing. Even non-contact sports, like gymnastics and soccer, require the use of a mouth guard to prevent injury.

Various recreational activities, such as bike riding, rollerblading, skateboarding, hiking, and playing on a playground, can also result in oral injury due to falls or collisions.

Wearing a sports mouth guard is a cost-effective and efficient solution to avoid dental emergencies and expensive dental treatments. Kids can participate in sports and recreational activities with confidence by wearing a sports mouth guard and knowing that their mouth and teeth are secure.

Understand that sports mouth guards are not suitable for teeth grinding and clenching. It is designed to protect the teeth during high-impact activities. If an individual suffers from teeth grinding, they should consult their dentist for a custom-fitted night guard.

How to maintain a sports mouth guard?

To ensure that a sports mouth guard lasts long and provides effective protection, follow the below tips:

Clean and rinse

To remove any debris or bacteria, use a toothbrush and toothpaste or a disinfecting solution recommended by your dentist.

Keep it safe

Store the mouth guard in a clean, dry container with ventilation holes to prevent bacteria growth and damage to the mouth guard.

Don’t expose it to heat

To maintain the shape and effectiveness of a sports mouth guard, store it in a cool, dry place. Do not expose it to high temperatures, such as direct sunlight, hot water, or a hot car, which can cause the plastic to deform.

Use a storage case

Instead of wrapping a sports mouth guard in a napkin which can be mistaken for trash and thrown out, use a storage case designed specifically for sport mouth guards. The case is made of hard plastic and is available in different shapes and sizes to fit and protect your mouth guard.

Sports mouth guards can last for 3 to 5 years with proper care and maintenance. Younger children may need to replace their mouth guard more frequently due to growth and changes in their dentition.

If your child is involved in any contact sports, invest in a good quality sports mouth guard to protect their teeth and oral tissues from injury. Properly taking care of the mouth ensure it lasts as long as possible. Taking the above steps will safeguard kids oral care and well-being while they enjoy the benefits of sports.