Intro – Why proper mouthguard use is crucial for youth athletes
As a parent, keeping your kids safe should be a top priority – especially when they’re participating in sports. Sports are great for developing teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness in youth, but they also come with inherent risks of injury. One way to reduce risk is equipping your child with a proper mouthguard.
Mouthguards are an essential piece of protective gear, preventing 200,000+ injuries each year. They safeguard teeth from fracture, dislocation, and nerve damage by absorbing shock. For youth athletes with braces, mouthguards prevent wire cuts to lips/gums. They also minimize risk of concussion by stabilizing the jaw after an impact.
Despite their importance, many young athletes view mouthguards as a nuisance and forego wearing them. This is where flavored mouthguards can make a difference. Fun flavors like fruit punch or blue raspberry can incentivize consistent use. When kids enjoy the taste and appearance, they’re more likely to keep their mouthguard in at all times.
Types of Youth Mouthguards
There are two main categories of mouthguards – boil-and-bite and custom fit. Boil-and-bite are inexpensive, available at most sporting goods stores, and mold to teeth when heated. However, they tend to be bulky and can dislodge during play. Custom fits are pricier but offer superior protection and comfort. An impression is taken of the teeth and the guard is molded from that.
Flavored vs. Non-Flavored
Traditional mouthguards are unflavored and mostly odorless. Flavored varieties incorporate flavoring agents into the materials during manufacturing. Popular choices are fruit punch, blue raspberry, lemon-lime, mint, bubble gum. This makes the guard more palatable but does not affect fit or protectiveness. Athletes report enjoying the flavors – they make wearing a mouthguard more fun!
Top Flavored Mouthguard Brands
Shock Doctor and Gel Max are regarded as top brands for youth mouthguards. They offer both non-flavored and flavored guards in boil-and-bite and custom varieties. Their mouthguards come in fun colors/graphics and flavor choices like blue raspberry, fruit punch, and mint. Guards provide comprehensive protection and stay securely in place during rigorous activity.
Caring for Your Mouthguard
Proper care is vital for mouthguards to remain protective and durable over time. Guards should be cleaned regularly using antimicrobial soap and cool water. Allows guards to air dry instead of direct sun exposure. Store in the supplied case when not in use, don’t chew on it. Inspect for tears before each use. Re-fit boil-and-bites yearly as your child’s mouth changes. Replace guards if they become loose, torn or damaged.
Ensuring a Secure Fit
A mouthguard that moves around or falls out easily leaves teeth vulnerable. When fitting a boil-and-bite guard, make sure to follow directions closely. Have your child bite down firmly to imprint upper teeth, then extend their lower jaw to imprint lower teeth. For several minutes after molding, have them suck on the guard intermittently to enhance suction. The guard should feel snug when in place and require deliberate removal.
Consistent Use is Key
Mouthguards can’t provide protection if they aren’t worn consistently. Youth athletes should use their guard during every practice and game. Reinforce that it isn’t optional equipment. Set an example by wearing one yourself when participating in recreational sports. Praise your child for responsible use. Consider tying playing time rewards to consistent mouthguard habits.
Reduce Concussion Risk
Mouthguards play an important role in concussion prevention by stabilizing the jaw after an impact. Research shows they reduce forces transmitted to the brain by up to 70-80%. Approximately 3 million concussions occur annually from youth sports – so proper mouthguard use is critical.
Mouthguard Use Across Sports
Any contact sport poses risk of dental injury, so a mouthguard is recommended for: football, lacrosse, hockey, martial arts, basketball, skateboarding, rugby, field hockey etc. Cheerleading is another activity where mouthguard use is prudent during stunts, pyramids, and tumbling passes.
Replacement Timeframes
Replace boil-and-bite mouthguards yearly as your child’s mouth structure changes. Custom-fit guards can last 2+ years with proper care. However, immediately replace any guard that develops tears, excessive wear or poor fit. Damaged guards compromise protection. Most dental professionals recommend replacing custom guards every 18-24 months.
Teaching Correct Insertion/Removal
Kids should wash hands before handling their mouthguard. Have them insert using index fingers on both sides, pressing the guard onto teeth. Removal is opposite – using thumbs press guard from molars first, then forward teeth. With good technique, insertion and removal should be simple.
Proper Storage
When not in use, mouthguards should be kept in the supplied storage case or perforated container. This allows airflow and avoids damage from compression. Guards should never be stored loose in gym bags or lockers. Keeping guards in cases also minimizes bacteria growth versus uncontained storage.
Equipping your young athlete with a protective mouthguard is a no-brainer. With youth-friendly flavors like fruit punch or blue raspberry, it can be easy to ensure consistent use. Teach proper care and fitting techniques, lead by example, and replace when needed. Taking these measures will keep their smile safe this season and beyond.
Types of mouthguards (boil & bite vs custom fitted)
When it comes to mouthguards for youth athletes, parents have two main options – “boil and bite” or custom fit. Both have pros and cons to weigh when deciding which is best for your child.
Boil and bite mouthguards are available at most sporting goods stores for around $10-15. As the name suggests, you heat them up in boiling water before having your child bite down to create an impression of their teeth. The main benefits are convenience and cost – you can pick them up quickly and they are budget friendly.
However, many dentists caution that boil and bite guards are bulky, can shift during play, and don’t offer the same level of protection as custom fits. The “one size fits most” approach also means they may not adapt perfectly to your child’s mouth. If you go this route, be diligent about checking the fit before each use.
Custom fit mouthguards are molded from dental impressions, creating a personal fit. Your dentist makes an impression of your child’s teeth and then sends that off to create a unique guard. The customization leads to superior comfort and protection. But there is higher cost – around $60-100.
When deciding between the two, consider your child’s level of play. For rec leagues and casual play, a boil and bite should suffice. For all-star teams, competitive leagues, or contact-heavy sports like football – invest in a custom fit.
Flavored vs. Non-Flavored
Traditional mouthguards have no added flavors or scents – but flavored varieties are growing in popularity. During production, flavoring agents like fruit punch or mint are added to the materials. This gives the guard a taste/smell that kids find more enticing.
The flavoring does not affect the protective abilities or fit. Guards like Shock Doctor’s Flavored Gel Max provide the same level of shock absorption and retention as their unflavored versions. The flavors simply make them more fun and palatable for youths.
Many young athletes report enjoying picking their favorite flavors – it makes the mouthguard feel personalized. And coaches have seen increased compliance with flavored guards, as kids are more likely to keep them in place during play.
Mouthguard Flavor Options
There’s a wide variety of mouthguard flavor choices available today, beyond the traditional unflavored. Popular picks for youth guards include:
- Fruit punch
- Bubblegum
- Blue raspberry
- Lemon-lime
- Watermelon
- Mint
- Strawberry
- Green apple
- Grape
Let your child test out different sample flavors to find their favorites. Opt for bright colors to match the flavors. Having options makes mouthguards more fun!
Caring for Your Mouthguard
To keep mouthguards protective and long-lasting, proper care is essential. Here are some best practices:
- Clean regularly with antimicrobial soap and cool water
- Allow to air dry – don’t use direct sunlight
- Store in supplied protective case when not in use
- Don’t chew on the mouthguard
- Inspect for tears before each use
- Re-mold boil-and-bites yearly as teeth shift
- Replace if damaged or ill-fitting
With good oral hygiene and consistent maintenance, a high-quality mouthguard should last 1-2 seasons before needing replacement.
Getting the Right Fit
An improper mouthguard fit leaves your child’s smile vulnerable. When molding a boil-and-bite guard:
- Have them bite down firmly to imprint upper teeth
- Extend lower jaw to imprint lower teeth
- Suck on guard intermittently after molding to enhance suction
The finished guard should feel secure in the mouth and take effort to dislodge. This ensures max protection during activity.
For a custom fit, work with your dentist to achieve ideal impressions. Communicate any fit issues at follow-ups. Proper insertion and removal techniques also help preserve fit over time.