As a parent, preparing your child for a new sports season usually involves tracking down the right cleats, uniform, and safety gear. While knee pads and helmets get plenty of attention, protecting your child’s teeth is equally important. Youth sports leagues across the Portland Interscholastic League and local soccer clubs prioritize safety, yet dental injuries remain a common threat on the field and court.
A well-fitted mouthguard serves as a shock absorber for the mouth, protecting teeth, lips, and the jaw from serious impact. Choosing the right protection is especially critical if your child is currently undergoing orthodontic treatment. This guide will help you understand the risks of playing without protection, compare the available options, and learn how to secure the best fit for your young athlete’s smile.
Key Takeaways
- According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, tens of thousands of sports-related dental injuries occur annually in youth sports.
- Wearing a mouthguard significantly reduces the risk of chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth.
- Custom-fitted mouthguards offer superior comfort and protection compared to store-bought alternatives.
- Young athletes wearing Damon System Braces or using Spark Clear Aligners need specialized mouthguards to accommodate their orthodontic hardware.
The Risks of Not Wearing a Mouthguard in School Sports
Contact sports like football, basketball, and soccer carry an inherent risk of physical impact. A stray elbow or a fast-moving ball can easily result in severe facial trauma. The American Dental Association notes that the rate of dental injuries is five times lower among athletes who wear mouthguards compared to those who do not.
When athletes skip this vital piece of equipment, they face a higher risk of soft tissue lacerations, broken teeth, and even jaw fractures. The long-term consequences of these injuries often include extensive dental restorations, severe pain, and significant financial costs. Providing your child with a reliable mouthguard is a simple, highly effective way to prevent these traumatic experiences.
Types of Mouthguards
Parents generally have three options when selecting a mouthguard, each offering varying levels of protection and comfort.
Stock Mouthguards
These are inexpensive, pre-formed protectors available at most sporting goods stores.
Because they come ready to wear, they offer no customization. Athletes often find them bulky, which makes breathing and speaking difficult. Their loose fit provides the lowest level of protection.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
A step up from stock options, boil-and-bite mouthguards are made from thermoplastic material. You place them in hot water to soften the material, then the athlete bites down to mold it to their teeth.
While they offer a slightly better fit, the material can become thin in high-impact areas, and they may still feel uncomfortable during extended play.
Custom-Fitted Mouthguards
Fabricated by dental professionals, custom mouthguards provide the ultimate defense. An orthodontist takes a precise digital scan of the athlete’s mouth to create a protector that fits flawlessly.
The snug fit ensures the mouthguard stays in place upon impact, allowing the child to breathe naturally and communicate easily with teammates.
Why Custom-Fitted Mouthguards are Superior
A custom-fitted mouthguard stands out because it is designed specifically for your child’s unique dental anatomy. The precise fit means the protective material is distributed evenly, offering maximum shock absorption right where it is needed most.
Comfort plays a massive role in safety. If a mouthguard feels bulky or causes gagging, a child is more likely to take it out during a game. Because custom options fit so comfortably, athletes can keep them comfortably securely in place for the entire match. For teenagers navigating the challenges of middle school and high school athletics, an unobtrusive fit makes a world of difference.
Choosing the Right Mouthguard for Your Child
Selecting the proper mouthguard depends on the specific sport, your child’s age, and their current dental needs. For high-contact sports like football or hockey, a thicker custom guard is ideal to absorb heavy blows. For sports like soccer or basketball, a slightly thinner custom guard allows for maximum oxygen flow while still providing excellent impact resistance.
It is also important to consider your child’s growth. Younger children with a mix of baby and adult teeth may need their mouthguard updated more frequently as their bite changes. Consulting with an orthodontic specialist ensures you choose an option that accommodates these natural shifts.
The Role of Orthodontics and Mouthguards
If your child is currently straightening their smile, a mouthguard becomes doubly important. Impact to the face can cause metal brackets to cut the inside of the lips and cheeks, while the force can damage the orthodontic hardware itself.
At Magic Smiles Orthodontics, we utilize self-ligating Damon Braces, which create wider smiles with less friction and faster treatment times. Protecting this investment requires a mouthguard designed to fit comfortably over the brackets without interrupting the natural movement of the teeth.
Similarly, if your teen uses clear aligners, we can advise you on the best practices for protecting their teeth during practice and games.
Magic Smiles Orthodontics: Your Partner in Dental Safety
Finding a trusted professional to protect your child’s smile is easy when you partner with Magic Smiles Orthodontics. Dr. Sara Edmondson and Dr. Phil Doleac lead a team dedicated to exceptional, personalized care for families in Portland and Beaverton. With over 400 five-star reviews, our clinic is known for its welcoming, fun atmosphere and cutting-edge technology.
We use the state-of-the-art iTero Element Scanner to capture 3D models of your child’s teeth. This completely eliminates the need for messy, uncomfortable putty impressions. Our digital imaging allows us to design a custom mouthguard that fits perfectly over their teeth and any orthodontic appliances they may be wearing.
Making an Appointment for a Custom Mouthguard
Securing a custom mouthguard is a straightforward process. You can contact our Portland office to schedule a quick, comfortable digital scanning appointment.
Our team will guide you through the process, take the 3D impressions, and have your child’s custom mouthguard fabricated quickly so they are ready for their next big game. Visit our website or call our office at (503) 255-1694 to book your visit.
FAQ
Q: How long does a custom mouthguard last?
A: With proper care, a custom mouthguard can last an entire sports season or longer. However, growing children or teens undergoing active orthodontic treatment may need replacements more frequently to accommodate changes in their bite and tooth alignment.
Q: Can my child wear a mouthguard with clear aligners?
A: Yes. Athletes should remove their Spark Clear Aligners and wear a custom-fitted sports mouthguard during practices and games to ensure maximum protection against impact.
Q: How should we clean and store the mouthguard?
A: Rinse the mouthguard with cool water and a mild soap after each use. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material. Store it in a sturdy, ventilated plastic case to keep it dry and prevent bacterial growth.
Keep Your Athlete’s Smile Intact
Investing in proper dental protection is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your young athlete. A custom-fitted mouthguard prevents painful injuries, saves money on emergency dental work, and gives you peace of mind while you cheer from the sidelines.
Reach out to the friendly team at Magic Smiles Orthodontics today to schedule a fitting, and let us help keep your child’s smile safe for years to come.