Parents know how easily active children can damage themselves. A well-fitting mouthguard can save a lot of pain and money. Mouthguards are certainly not just for outdoor sports. When winter sets in, parents usually find that in order to cure their kids’ ‘cabin fever’, they must involve them in indoor activities like gymnastics, soccer, volleyball, and roller-skating.
Releasing that pent-up energy can result in some nasty falls. Many people are aware of the need for protective gear like helmets, shin, wrist, elbow and knee pads, but many forget about the all-important mouthguard. It is often cheaper to fix a broken leg than broken teeth! The increasing popularity of motor scooters has introduced another hazard to young teeth. According to the ADA, mouthguards help cushion blows that might otherwise cause broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face and jaw.
The only mouthguard that gives good protection is one custom made by your dentist. These will have the best possible fit and will cover all the teeth. Studies have shown that these are the most comfortable and effective. Mouth guards from the chemist that you put in boiling water to mould to your teeth cannot offer the same fit and protection. If you need to wear a mouth guard for any reason, it is definitely worth investing in a custom made mouth guard!
Caring for your mouthguard
Clean your mouthguard by washing it with soap and warm (not hot) water. Before storing, soak your mouthguard in mouthwash. Keep your mouthguard in a well-ventilated plastic storage box when not in use. Make sure the box has several holes so the mouthguard will dry. Heat is bad for mouthguards, so don’t leave it in direct sunlight or in a closed automobile. Don’t bend your mouthguard when storing. Don’t handle or wear someone else’s mouth guard. Call your dentist who made the mouthguard if there are any problems.