Backpacks? Check. Water bottle? Check. Cleats, helmet and uniform? Check.
If your child plays sports, there may be one more important item to add to the list: a mouthguard.
Whether your child is heading onto the football field, basketball court, baseball diamond or bike trail, protecting their smile should be part of getting ready to play.
A Small Piece of Gear That Can Make a Big Difference
Sports are a great way for kids to stay active, build confidence and have fun. But all that running, jumping and competing can sometimes come with bumps and falls.
According to the American Dental Association, 60% of student athletes will experience a sports-related dental injury, and approximately 30% of all sports injuries involve the mouth and teeth.
Mouthguards add a protective layer that helps cushion blows to the face and reduce the risk of injuries such as:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Cuts to the lips, cheeks or tongue
- Tooth loss
- Jaw injuries
- Nerve damage
In fact, student-athletes who don't wear mouthguards are significantly more likely to experience an injury to their mouth than athletes who do.
And mouthguards aren't just for football players. While they may be required for sports such as football, hockey and lacrosse, dental and facial injuries can also happen during basketball, baseball, skateboarding, bicycling and many other activities.
What Kind of Mouthguard Does My Child Need?
There are several options available, and the best choice depends on your child's age, sport and individual needs.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are readily available and tend to be more affordable. They can be molded at home to provide a better fit than a standard, one-size-fits-all mouthguard.
Custom mouthguards are created by a dentist specifically for your child's mouth. While they typically cost more, they can offer a more comfortable fit, stay in place better and make it easier to breathe and speak while wearing them.
If your child has braces, a mouthguard is especially important because braces can increase the risk of cuts inside the mouth during an impact. Talk with your child's dentist or orthodontist about finding a mouthguard designed to work with braces.
Whatever option you choose, the most important thing is finding a mouthguard your child will actually wear consistently during both practices and games.
Don't Forget to Keep It Clean
A mouthguard spends a lot of time in your child's mouth, sports bag and locker, so keeping it clean is important.
After each use:
- Rinse and gently brush the mouthguard with cool water.
- Allow it to air dry completely.
- Store it in a protective case when it's not being used.
- Keep it away from extreme heat, which can affect its shape and fit.
- Keep it somewhere pets can't reach. A mouthguard can look a lot like a chew toy to a curious dog!
Bring the mouthguard along to regular dental appointments, too. Your child's dental provider can check its condition and fit and help determine when it's time for a replacement.
Make Protecting Their Smile Part of the Routine
Kids' smiles are made for cheering, laughing and celebrating the big win. Adding a mouthguard to their sports routine can help keep those smiles protected while they do what they love.
Before the next practice or game, take a quick look through your child's sports bag. Along with the uniform, shoes and water bottle, make sure their smile has the protective gear it needs, too.
Tooth Fairy Tip: Ask your child's dentist which type of mouthguard is best for their age, sport and smile. Some dental benefit plans may also include coverage for mouthguards, so check your plan for details.
