Does My Child Need to Wear a Sports Mouth Guard?

Does your child play sports? If so, you might wonder if they should wear a protective sports mouth guard. Protecting your child from a sports injury is an obvious priority. So, which sports require a mouth guard?

When Should Your Child Wear a Sports Mouth Guard?

Your child should wear a sports mouth guard or athletic mouth protector if they are engaged in an activity with a high risk of collision or contact involving the mouth. Specifically, consider a sports mouth guard if your child engages in:

1. Contact sports such as football or hockey. The National Federation of State High School Associations and the National Collegiate Athletic Association mandate the use of mouth guards in football, field hockey, ice hockey, and lacrosse.
2. Sports that carry a high risk of unintended collision. This includes soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Basketball actually carries the highest risk.
3. Sports that involve high-speed projectiles, such as baseball.
4. Martial arts, boxing, and wrestling.
5. Sports with a  high risk of falls , such as bicycling, skating, horseback riding, and skateboarding

If your child has braces, they should wear a mouth guard when engaged in any activity with a risk of fall or collision. Children must wear mouth guards both in practice and during the game, with many injuries taking place during practice.

Risks of Not Wearing a Child's Sports Mouth Guard

The majority of facial injuries during sports are bruises and lacerations. However, young athletes may experience chipped or broken teeth and tooth loss, including permanent tooth loss. The loss of a tooth can have a lifelong impact on your child. Other known injuries include damage to the tongue or the tooth nerve and potential injury to the jaw.
There is also some evidence that the use of a mouth guard may lower your child's risk of experiencing a concussion.

Types of Mouthguards

Mouth guards fall into three overall groups:

Stock mouth guards

Made to standard sizing. These are the cheapest option, but generally do not fit well, especially if your child has an unusual bite.

Boil-and-bite

These are the most popular type of mouth guards. They are softened in water, inserted, and then your child bites down to form them into their teeth.

Custom

These are made by a dentist and are the most expensive option, but offer the highest level of protection.
Generally it is best practice to avoid using stock mouth guards, which may cause damage from not fitting correctly. Ideally, get your child a custom mouth guard and have it replaced when they no longer fit properly.

Caring for a Mouth Guard

You or your child should rinse or brush their sports mouth guards using a toothbrush and toothpaste before and after each use. They should also be cleaned with cool soap and water occasionally and thoroughly rinsed. Do not leave a mouth guard, especially the boil-and-bite kind, in hot water or direct sunlight. This can cause the mouth guard to soften and warp.
You should also transport and store mouth guards in a sturdy container with vents. A dentist can provide you with an appropriate storage container.
Check the mouth guard regularly and replace it when it becomes distorted. Make sure your child knows not to chew on the mouth guard.

Call Sweet Tooth About Childs Mouth Guards Today

If getting a custom mouth guard, talk to your dentist about optimum care and when your child should come back to have the next one fitted. The mouth guard needs to fit properly so it protects your child's teeth and so it does not shift and distract them during play, which could cause other injuries. Also, tell your dentist what sport the child engages in.
If your child plays a sport with a higher risk of facial injury, it's time to talk to Sweet Tooth Pediatric Dentistry about a custom mouth guard. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!