Common Mistakes Parents Make When Buying Kids' Mouthguards

If you're a parent buying a mouthguard for your child for any kind of sport or activity, making the right choice is naturally important. One key element of this process is avoiding a few common kids' mouthguard mistakes that parents sometimes make.

At Damage Control Mouthguards, we're here to help. We offer a huge range of mouthguard options for all ages, including custom mouthguards for everyone from kids up to professional athletes (and everyone in between). We've seen every kid's mouthguard mistake out there from parents, and we know how to steer you away from them and toward the right process for selecting your child's mouthguard. Here are a few examples of these mistakes and how to avoid them.

Choosing Based on Price

When choosing a mouthguard for your child for any sport or activity, it can be tempting to go for the cheapest option. However, this is not always the best choice.

Cheaper mouth guards may not provide adequate protection or comfort for your child, leading to potential injuries or discomfort during use. It's important to invest in a high-quality mouthguard that will protect your child's teeth and gums while also being comfortable enough for them to wear for extended periods of time.

Failure to Check for Certifications

A couple of certifications can be very important for the safety of a mouthguard, including ADA, CE, or NSA certifications. These certifications ensure that the mouthguard has undergone testing and meets certain standards for safety and effectiveness. Always check for these certifications before purchasing a mouthguard for your child.

If a mouthguard you're looking at doesn't have any of these certifications, it's best to avoid purchasing it. It may not provide adequate protection for your child's teeth and could potentially cause harm.

Selecting Adult Sizes for Children

One of the simpler mistakes some parents make when selecting a sports mouthguard for their child is choosing an adult size. While it may seem like a good option for long-term use, an adult size mouthguard can pose a risk to a child's safety and comfort.

An ill-fitting mouthguard can increase the risk of injury as it may not provide proper protection or stay in place during physical activity. It can also be uncomfortable for the child to wear, interfering with breathing and performance making them less likely to want to use it.

It's important to choose a mouthguard that fits snugly and comfortably in your child's mouth. If your child is between sizes, opt for the smaller size as it will provide better protection and can always be replaced with a larger size as they grow.

Overlooking Sports-Specific Protection Needs

Another error parents can make when it comes to mouthguard selection is not considering the specific needs of their child's sport. Different sports have different risks and therefore require different levels of protection.

For example, a child playing in wrestling may have a higher risk of getting hit in the face with an elbow, knee or head compared to a child participating in soccer. In this case, a thicker and more protective mouthguard would be necessary for a wrestler. It's important to research and understand the potential risks involved in your child's chosen sport and select a mouthguard that will provide adequate protection for those risks.

Not Involving Kids Themselves in the Fitting Process

For the best fit for any child's sports mouthguard, it's important to involve them in the fitting process. This means bringing your child along when purchasing the mouthguard. It's also essential to follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for proper fitting.

Involving children in the fitting process not only ensures a comfortable fit but also teaches them responsibility for their own safety. By being involved in selecting and properly wearing a mouthguard, kids will understand the importance of protecting their teeth during sports activities.

Getting the Right Mouthguard for Braces

Children with braces need a mouthguard designed to protect brackets, wires, and teeth during sports. If your child has braces on both arches, choose a mouthguard for braces that covers the upper and lower teeth. A single-arch mouthguard for braces can also work, since it extends far enough to protect the bottom teeth. However, many parents,  prefer a mouthguard that covers both arches, and some sports leagues like wrestling require it. 

At Damage Control Mouthguards, we offer youth size mouthguards as well as mouthguards for braces for clients of all ages, including children. Contact us today to learn more about our products or how to choose the ideal mouthguard for yourself or your child!