If your child plays contact sport, a mouthguard can help protect their teeth, lips, gums and jaw from dental injuries. Dental trauma can happen quickly during football, basketball, netball, hockey, martial arts, cricket and other school or club sports.
A well-fitting custom mouthguard can be more comfortable and protective than many over-the-counter options because it is made to fit your child’s mouth.
Why are mouthguards important for kids?
Children and teenagers are active, and dental injuries during sport are common. A knock to the mouth can chip, crack, loosen or knock out a tooth.
Mouthguards help absorb and spread the force of impact, reducing the chance of serious dental injury.
Which sports may need a mouthguard?
A mouthguard is especially important for contact and collision sports, but it can also be useful in sports where falls, elbows, balls or equipment can hit the mouth.
Sports where a mouthguard may be recommended include:
- Football and Auskick
- Basketball
- Netball
- Hockey
- Martial arts and boxing
- Rugby
- Soccer
- Cricket
- Skateboarding or scooter sports
What is a custom mouthguard?
A custom mouthguard is made from an impression or scan of the child’s teeth. This allows the mouthguard to fit closely over the teeth and stay in place more securely.
A better fit can make it easier for children to breathe, talk and keep the mouthguard in during sport.
Custom mouthguards vs store-bought mouthguards
Store-bought mouthguards may be cheaper, but they often fit less accurately. If a mouthguard is bulky, loose or uncomfortable, children may chew it, remove it, or avoid wearing it properly.
A custom mouthguard is designed for the child’s own teeth, which may improve comfort and protection.
When should a child get a mouthguard?
It is best to organise a mouthguard before the sports season starts. This gives time for the appointment, mouthguard fabrication and fitting before training and games begin.
If your child starts a new sport mid-season, it is still worth arranging one as soon as possible.
Do mouthguards need to be replaced?
Yes. Children’s teeth and jaws change as they grow. Mouthguards can also wear, split, become loose or stop fitting properly.
Bring the mouthguard to dental check-ups so the dentist can check the fit and condition.
What about children with braces?
Children with braces may need a specially designed mouthguard that allows for orthodontic appliances and tooth movement. A standard mouthguard may not fit properly over braces.
If your child has braces or is starting orthodontic treatment, ask the dentist what type of mouthguard is appropriate.
How should a mouthguard be cleaned?
Rinse the mouthguard after use, clean it gently as advised, allow it to dry, and store it in a ventilated case. Avoid leaving it in hot cars or direct sunlight because heat can distort the shape.
Replace it if it becomes loose, damaged, rough or uncomfortable.
What should you do if a dental injury happens?
If a tooth is knocked out, broken, loose or moved out of position, call a dentist immediately. For adult teeth that are knocked out, time is important.
If there is serious facial injury, heavy bleeding, loss of consciousness or concern about a head injury, seek urgent medical care immediately.
Book a custom mouthguard appointment in Lara
Lara Dental Prime provides custom mouthguards for children and teenagers who play sport in Lara and nearby suburbs.
Learn more about kids dental in Lara, knocked-out or broken tooth advice, or call 03 5282 2222.