Childhood Sports and the Importance of Mouthguards

Injuries resulting from playing sports is extremely common, especially with the physical contact involved in so many of the popular US-based sports like soccer, basketball, football, hockey, field hockey, lacrosse, and more. With balls and sticks, plus potential tackling and accidental hits to the face, it is extremely important for parents to urge their children to wear protective mouth wear during sports play. Mouthguards are typically only required in a handful of sports, but the option to utilize the protective gear is absolutely an option in all contact sports. Plus, when the requirement is started early on, it creates a healthy habit in the child to feel like the mouthguard is an important part of their sports gear – a part of their uniform.

Many people believe that optional mouthguard wear is only important if the child in question has braces. False. Using a mouthguard hosts a range of benefits for all children, including protecting the mouth (lips, tongue, gums, and soft tissue) from damage while simultaneously preventing teeth from becoming chipped or broken. In the event of a fall or equipment or elbow to the face, it can also prevent teeth from breaking through the skin and causing even more facial damage while potentially avoiding the need for invasive dental and plastic surgery. A small cost upfront can save parents from heartbreak as well as out-of-pocket costs associated with remedying a sports-related dental injury.

There are several mouthguard options available on the market for sports purposes:

1. Stock Mouth Protectors – Most sporting goods stores carry these pre-molded and ready-to-wear mouthguards. While they are relatively inexpensive, they also come with some downfalls. Since they are preformed, nothing can be done to adjust their fit to a specific child’s mouth and teeth, thus providing less protection than an alternative option.
2. Boil-and-Bite Mouth Protectors – This option is also readily available at most local sporting goods stores and is low-cost. The thermoplastic material allows parents to boil the equipment in hot water, so it softens, wait a few seconds to let it cool slightly once removing it from water, and then place it in their child’s mouth while having them bite down to complete its form around teeth, gums, and tongue. It is a much better fit than the previous option and is more comfortable for the child to wear during competition.
3. Custom-Fitted Mouth Protectors – Most dental offices can assist your family in the creation of a custom-fitted mouthguard. Similar to the boil-and-bite, the dentist will make an impression or mold of your child’s teeth. Then the mouthguard will be molded over the impression model to make a custom-fit mouthguard. While it is clearly the most expensive option, it could also be the option that saves you money on dental repairs in the case of an unfortunate accident in the future. Your child is more likely to feel comfortable wearing (and not complain about wearing) this option since it is made specifically for them

Our hope is that you have been able to gain a great deal of insight in to the importance of mouthguard wearing and proactive measures available when your child begins playing sports. Have questions about your child’s mouthguard or need to schedule an appointment for a custom-fitted mouthguard? If you are in the Brooklyn, NY area and looking for the best kids’ dentist around, Dr. Yury Slepak, Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, at 2464 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11223 would love to help guide you and keep your child’s smile safe and healthy! Call 718-998-2424 to schedule your child’s appointment today!