3 Things To Look For When Purchasing A Mouth Guard




While your child is playing sports it is important they don’t forget the mouth guard, but it can quickly become overwhelming to chose the right guard.  Dental injuries have increased in children over the last ten years despite children wearing protective gear. This magnifies the importance of not only having equipment, but purchasing the right type of equipment. Here are three recommendations to look for when purchasing a mouth guard.
 
It should fit properly in the mouth. Pediatric dentist Dr.Cameron Fuller suggests, “The mouth guard should not be loose or too small in the mouth.” It should fit snuggly over the top teeth, and should not move too much in the mouth. Also gums should not be showing when they smile.  It should not restrict breathing or talking when your child is wearing it.

The mouth guard should be long-lasting but easy to clean.  Bacteria is always present in the mouth, so you will want to ensure the mouth guard is a hard plastic that can easily be washed after your child has worn it, in order to reduce germs being placed into your child’s mouth.  A good mouth guard should last at least one year depending on the sport and how often your child is playing and practicing.

During the action part of the game, the mouth guard should remain in the mouth and not move around or be taken out. In order to protect your child’s smile, the mouth guard has to stay in place if they sustain a hit. “If the guard moves around in the mouth, or is uncomfortable, it is not the right fit,” says Dr. Fuller.

Mouth guards are not an optional piece of equipment. They can protect your child from having permanent damage to their smile.

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