Mouthguards

Protecting your child’s smile during sports is just as important as practicing good oral hygiene. Sports-related injuries to the mouth and jaw are among the most common injuries in young athletes.

Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard significantly reduces the risk of broken teeth, lip and cheek injuries, and even jaw damage. The American Dental AssociationClick to open in new tab recommends mouthguards for children participating in activities such as:

Basketball, boxing, football, gymnastics, hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, rugby, skateboarding, skiing and snowboarding, skydiving, soccer, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, and wrestling.

If your child participates in any contact or high-impact sport, a well-made mouthguard is an essential part of their safety gear.

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Types of Mouthguards

Choosing the right mouthguard helps ensure better protection, comfort, and compliance. There are three basic types of mouthguards:

Pre-Made (Stock) Mouthguards: These are ready to wear, but often bulky and not a perfect fit
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: These are softened in hot water and then molded to the teeth. They offer a better fit than stock options
Custom-Made Mouthguards: Created by your dentist from a mold of your child’s teeth, these offer the best protection, comfort, and durability

Regardless of the type, the right mouthguard should be:

Tear-resistant
Comfortable and snug-fitting
Easy to clean
Should not restrict breathing or speech

If your child wears braces or a retainer, wearing a mouthguard is especially important. Our team can help choose or custom-design the best option for their unique needs.

How to Care for Your Child’s Mouthguard

Like any dental appliance, a mouthguard needs regular cleaning and care to stay effective. Here’s how to keep your child’s mouthguard clean, safe, and long-lasting:

Gently scrub the mouthguard with a toothbrush and toothpaste after each use
Rinse it thoroughly and let it air dry before storing
Keep it in a ventilated, protective case
Avoid exposing it to high heat (sunlight, hot water) to prevent deforming
Replace it at the start of every sports season—or sooner if it becomes worn, torn, or no longer fits properly
Never chew on the mouthguard or trim pieces off
Don’t wear a retainer with the mouthguard. If your child has braces, we can make a guard that accommodates them
Bring the mouthguard to dental checkups so we can check its fit and condition

Our goal is to help minimize your child’s chances of a sports-related injury to his smile. Be sure to ask your dentistClick to open in this tab about mouthguards at your child’s next dental checkup.

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Canton
1657 North Canton Center Road, Canton, MI 48187
frontdesk@cantonpediatricdentist.com
(734) 335-7270