Everything Parents Need to Know About Mouth Guards for Kids

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Mouth Guard for Kids

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Mouth guards are protective appliances that guard teeth, gums, and jaws against physical harm. They are particularly beneficial for kids who practice contact sports such as football, basketball, or ice hockey, participate in non-contact activities like gymnastics or skateboarding, or experience teeth grinding during sleep, otherwise known as bruxism. The American Dental Association (ADA) has revealed that by wearing mouth guards during a sporting activity, children reduce the risk of dental injuries by 60 times. This little gadget can help parents avoid expensive repairs to the baby's teeth while making sure the child is safe at the same time.

Why Do Kids Need Mouth Guard?

Mouth guards are the protective appliances to guard teeth, gums, and jaws against physical harm. They are particularly beneficial for kids who:

  • Practice contact sports such as football, basketball, or ice hockey.
  • Participate in non-contact activities like gymnastics or skateboarding.
  • Experience teeth grinding during sleep, otherwise known as bruxism.

The American Dental Association (ADA) has revealed that by wearing mouth guards during a sporting activity, children reduce the risk of dental injuries by 60 times. This little gadget can help parents avoid expensive repairs to the baby's teeth while making sure the child is safe at the same time.

Benefits of Mouth Guards for Kids

Dental Protection

Mouth guards absorb shock, preventing broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, and jaw.

Prevention of Teeth Grinding Damage

For children with bruxism, a variant of dental mouth guards, known as night guards, can help protect the teeth’ enamel and relieve jaw pain.

Improved Confidence

As they are protected, children can engage in their activities without fear of harm.

Types of Mouth Guards for Kids

There are different types of mouth guards but not all mouth guards are the same. Knowledge of the various kinds will assist you in deciding which is most suitable for your child.

Stock Mouth Guards

Stock mouth guards are pre-formed and ready to wear. They are cheap and easily accessible, which makes them a favorite among parents. However, they are not adjustable and may cause discomfort.

Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards

These mouth guards are softened in hot water and can be shaped over the child’s teeth. Boil-and-bite mouth guards offer a better fit than stock mouth guards and are suitable for occasional use in sports or other activities.

Custom Mouth Guards

Made by a dentist, custom mouth guards are made to fit your child’s mouth perfectly. Despite the higher cost, they offer the best comfort, protection, and durability compared to other types.

Night Guards

Children who grind their teeth at night should wear mouth guards while sleeping. These dental appliances are used to prevent the wear and tear of teeth caused by bruxism.

How to Choose the Best Mouth Guard for Your Child

Activity Type

For sports, it’s better to use a boil-and-bite or a custom mouth guard. For bruxism, select a dental mouth guard recommended for nighttime use only, such as a night guard.

Fit and Comfort

Ensure the mouth guard fits tightly without irritating the teeth or gums. Ill-fitting mouth guards may restrict breathing or make speaking difficult.

Durability

Opt for a durable mouth guard that can withstand regular use.

Material

Select a high-quality, non-toxic material that will be suitable for children.

Budget

Custom mouth guards are very costly; they provide better protection and it is wise to spend on them for active kids.

Top-Rated Mouth Guards for Kids in 2024

Are you searching for the best mouth guard for children? Here are some highly recommended options:

Shock Doctor-Gel Max Mouth Guards

A boil-and-bite option that is famous for its fit and comfort.

SISU Aero Mouth Guards

Thin and can be easily molded for comfortable wear, especially for children who do not like using bulky mouth guards.

Gladiator Custom Mouth Guard

Custom-made for a snug and secure fit and optimal guard.

Plackers Grind No More Dental Guards

Affordable for nighttime use for teeth grinding.

How to Clean and Maintain Mouth Guards for Kids

It is important to maintain hygiene and ensure the durability of the mouth guard through proper storage and cleaning. Follow these tips:

Rinse After

Rinse the mouth guard with cold water or mouthwash immediately after use.

Brush Regularly

A soft brush and non-abrasive toothpaste should be used every day to gently clean the mouth guard.

Store Properly

Store it in a container that has adequate ventilation to avoid increased bacterial growth around the mouth guard.

Avoid Heat Exposure

Never expose the mouth guard to direct sunlight or heat water since they can deform the shape.

Check for Wear and Tear

A mouth guard should be replaced when it is damaged or if the fit is not right.

Are Mouth Guards Necessary for Non-Contact Sports?

Mouth guards are used to reduce the impacts resulting from contact sports but are equally vital when participating in non-contact activities. Some of these sporting activities may include gymnastics, skateboarding, or biking, and still, there is a possibility of incurring an injury to the teeth. According to the Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, the estimated figure showed that around 30% of dental injuries in children happen while playing a sport that is non-contact in nature. Buying a mouth guard will guarantee your child’s safety in any sporting activity.

mouth guard
A girl holding a mouth guard

Custom vs. Store-Bought Mouth Guards: Which is Better?

Feature Custom Mouth Guards for Kids Store-Bought Mouth Guards for Kids
Fit The ideal fit, tailored to your child's teeth shape One-size-fits-all, may not fit comfortably
Protection Excellent protection, perfect for high-contact sports Less-reliable in high-contact sports
Comfort Custom-molded for comfort throughout extended use May cause discomfort, especially if the fit isn’t ideal
Durability Durable can withstand regular use Less durable, may lose shape
Ideal Use Recommended for kids who play sports Suitable for occasional use
Cost Higher, it involves custom-fitting Affordable, cost-effective option for short-term use
Customization Fully tailored to the child’s dental needs and mouth Limited customization, typically in a few standard sizes

How to Get a Custom Mouth Guard for Kids

Seeing a dentist is the first step forward in getting a custom mouth guard. The process includes:

  • Dental Impression: The dentist takes an impression of your child’s teeth.
  • Mouth Guard Creation: The impression is sent to a lab to create a custom-fit mouth guard.
  • Fitting: The mouth guard is then adjusted for a proper fit, and the dentist provides the necessary guidelines on how to use it.

Why Mouth Guards Are Essential for Your Child’s Safety

Several mouth-related injuries are painful and could be expensive when treated. Mouth guards act as a simple, effective barrier against these risks. The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation notes that sportsmen who do not wear mouth guards are 2-3 times vulnerable to sustaining dental injuries.

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Smilepath offers custom-fit mouth guards that ensure your children’s dental safety without any risks.
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Recap

Mouth guards are relatively inexpensive but provide an immense advantage to a player. Whether it is safeguarding children’s teeth against sports injuries or shielding the teeth against wear due to bruxism, they are a must-have for kids. It is therefore important that you get the right mouth guard variety and also ensure that it is well taken care of so your child has good dental health and safety in the coming years.

Want to ensure that your child has a healthy smile? Explore the best mouth guards available and discuss with your dentist to find the best fit for your child. A small action today can save you from great dental problems in the future!

FAQs

1. Are mouth guards safe for kids?

Yes, mouth guards are safe for kids. They are intended for use to cushion the teeth, gums, and jaws in cases of participating in sporting activities and teeth clenching/ grinding.

2. How do you use a mouth guard for kids?

Ensure that the mouth guard covers the child’s teeth adequately. For the boil-and-bite type, it has to be softened in hot water and fitted into their teeth. Always make sure that they put it on during activities or at night if required.

3. What are the requirements for a mouth guard?

It has to fit right and be made of non-toxic material with enough shock absorbance to protect the teeth and gums in a fight.

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