Oral Health and Wellness, Children
How to Choose the Best Mouthguard for Children in Sports: A Crucial Guide for Parents
Aug
When it comes to protecting the smile during sports, a mouthguard for children is an absolute necessity. Whether your child is just starting out in sports or is a seasoned athlete, ensuring they have the right mouthguard is critical for their safety and your peace of mind. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key considerations to help you make an informed decision, including important factors such as braces compatibility, fit, and safety.
Understanding the Importance of a Sports Mouthguard
Before diving into the specifics of how to choose the right mouthguard, it’s essential to understand why it’s so important. Sports-related dental injuries are common, especially in contact sports like rugby, hockey, football, and basketball. A well-fitted mouthguard can significantly reduce the risk of these injuries by absorbing and dissipating the impact force, which could otherwise result in chipped teeth, fractured jaws, or even lost teeth.
For children, the stakes are even higher. Their teeth and jaws are still developing, making them more vulnerable to injury. Moreover, dental injuries in children can have long-term consequences, affecting their oral health well into adulthood. A good mouthguard not only protects their teeth but also contributes to their overall safety and well-being during physical activities.
Types of Mouthguards: Which Is Best for Your Child?
When selecting a mouthguard, it’s important to consider the different types available on the market. Each type offers varying levels of protection, comfort, and customisation, which can impact both the effectiveness of the mouthguard and your child’s willingness to wear it consistently.
Stock Mouthguards
Stock mouthguards are the most basic type available. They come pre-formed and are ready to use straight out of the package. While they are inexpensive and readily available, they offer the least protection due to their poor fit. Stock mouthguards are often bulky, making it difficult for children to speak and breathe comfortably. Additionally, because they aren’t moulded to the child’s specific dental structure, they may not stay in place during play, which can reduce their effectiveness in preventing injuries.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are a step up from stock mouthguards. These mouthguards can be softened in hot water and then moulded to the shape of the teeth by biting down. They provide a better fit than stock mouthguards and offer moderate protection. However, the fit can still be less than ideal, especially for children with unique dental structures or those who wear braces. Over time, the material may wear down, reducing the level of protection.
Custom-Fit Mouthguards
Custom-fit mouthguards are usually made by a dental professional, but are also available over the counter as more advanced boil-and-bite versions, ensuring the perfect fit. These mouthguards offer the highest level of protection and comfort because they are tailored to your child’s mouth. They might be more expensive than other types, but they are the best option for ensuring your child’s safety during sports. Custom-fit mouthguards are especially recommended for children with braces, as they can be designed to fit comfortably around the brackets without causing damage or discomfort.
Special Considerations: Choosing a Mouthguard for Children with Braces
If your child wears braces, choosing the right mouthguard is even more important. Braces add another layer of complexity to mouthguard selection because the brackets and wires need to be protected without interfering with the orthodontic treatment. A poorly fitted mouthguard can not only fail to protect the teeth but also damage the braces or cause discomfort.
Here are some key considerations for choosing a mouthguard for a child with braces.
Room for Adjustment
Children with braces need a mouthguard that can accommodate the changing position of their teeth as the orthodontic treatment progresses. Custom-fit mouthguards are ideal in this situation because they can be adjusted to fit comfortably around the braces while providing adequate protection.
Protection of Both Teeth and Braces
A mouthguard for a child with braces needs to protect not just the teeth but also the brackets and wires. If a mouthguard is too tight or doesn’t fit properly, it can press against the braces and cause damage. On the other hand, a mouthguard that is too loose can shift during play, exposing the braces and increasing the risk of injury.
Compatibility with Braces
When fitting a mouthguard for a child with braces, it’s essential to ensure that the material doesn’t stick to the braces during the moulding process. For example, SISU mouthguards are designed to be compatible with braces, but it’s important to have the mouthguard fitted by a dental professional. The dental professional will apply a special protective substance to the braces before moulding the mouthguard. This substance prevents the mouthguard material from sticking to the brackets, ensuring a smooth and safe fit.
Regular Replacement
As your child’s teeth move during orthodontic treatment, it’s important to replace the mouthguard regularly to ensure it continues to fit properly. An over the counter custom-fit mouthguard can often be adjusted by a dental professional as needed, but in case of a dentist-made version you may need to invest in a new mouthguard if significant changes occur.
Material Matters: What to Look for in a Mouthguard
The material of the mouthguard plays a significant role in its effectiveness and durability. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the material:
- Durability
The material should be durable enough to withstand repeated impacts without breaking down. Mouthguards made from high-quality thermoplastic materials are generally more durable and can provide better protection over a longer period.
- Shock Absorption
The primary function of a mouthguard is to absorb and dissipate the force from impacts. Look for materials that are designed to absorb shock effectively, such as those used in custom-fit mouthguards. These materials are often layered to provide enhanced protection.
- Safety
Ensure that the material used in the mouthguard is non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals. Since the mouthguard will be in your child’s mouth for extended periods, it’s important that it’s made from safe, biocompatible materials.
- Flexibility
A good mouthguard should be flexible enough to provide comfort without sacrificing protection. It should conform to the shape of the teeth and gums without being too rigid. Custom-fit mouthguards often offer the best balance of flexibility and protection.
SISU Mouthguards: The Ideal Choice for Children with Braces
When it comes to choosing a mouthguard for a child with braces, SISU mouthguards stand out as an excellent option. These mouthguards are designed to be both slim and strong, providing the necessary protection without the bulk. Importantly, SISU mouthguards are compatible with braces when fitted by a dental professional.
During the fitting process, the dental professional applies a special protective substance to the braces, ensuring that the mouthguard material doesn’t stick to the brackets during moulding. This careful process results in a custom-fit mouthguard that is comfortable to wear and provides optimal protection for both the teeth and braces.
Additionally, SISU mouthguards are made from high-tech thermoplastic material that is 50% stronger than conventional mouthguard materials, providing superior durability and shock absorption. Their thin design also makes them more comfortable for children, encouraging consistent use during sports activities.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Child’s Safety
Choosing the right mouthguard for your child is a critical decision that can have long-lasting effects on their dental health and overall safety. By considering factors such as fit, material, and braces compatibility, you can ensure that your child is well-protected during sports.
For children with braces, SISU mouthguards offer a reliable and comfortable solution, especially when fitted by a dental professional. Remember, a well-fitted mouthguard is not just a piece of sports equipment—it’s an investment in your child’s health and safety, providing peace of mind every time they step onto the field.
Try SISU today.
