Protecting Young Athletes: The Importance of Custom Mouthguards for Sports

In the search for custom sports mouthguards in Milton, Ontario, look no further than your trusted dental professionals at Scott and Derry Dental Care. The key here is “custom,” as you or your child can benefit from professionally designed and manufactured mouthguards that are made to exact specifications. Many benefits stem from this one-of-a-kind design and professional technique.
Why would my child need a mouthguard in the first place?
These mouthguards or oral devices are critical for student-athletes, especially those who engage in “contact sports.” These activities include hockey, football, basketball, soccer, snowboarding, and skateboarding. Children who play these sports, both formally and informally, can benefit, as there are risks of suffering from injuries to the teeth, mouth, and jaws regardless of whether the activity is sponsored by a school or league or simply something enjoyed by your child with his or her friends in the neighbourhood.
You highlighted the word “custom” – why?
Fit is also critical. Some kiddos’ mouths can still sustain traumatic injuries even when wearing a mouthguard because not all of these appliances are the same. If the mouthguard doesn’t fit properly or becomes worn and is not replaced, it cannot “do its job” to adequately protect your child’s oral health and more. So, the first step to truly effective prevention is to schedule an appointment where Dr. Jameela Jifri and associates measure children’s mouths to customize the device. That way, it fits your child perfectly.
How do mouthguards protect my child’s smile and oral health?
Engaging in sports and other physical/contact activities is a risk for damage to the teeth and surrounding oral and maxillofacial tissues of the mouth, face, and jaws. For this reason, it is largely advised to ensure that your child always wears their mouthguard while playing the sport. The mouthguard helps to cushion the blow to the mouth by providing a layer of protection between the appliance and vital tissues. Such protection saves you and your family the headache, time, heartache, and money in the long run, as trauma and associated restorative treatment are avoided.
Does the mouthguard have to go over the bottom teeth, too?
No! The good news is children only need to wear a mouthguard on their top teeth unless braces are actively being worn. Only then do you need to have a guard placed to protect the lower teeth and braces as your child is undergoing orthodontic treatment.
How long does the mouthguard last?
Your child’s mouthguard should generally be replaced at six-month intervals. So, about as often as they visit us for recall appointments/checkups. This is a good practice if they wear the appliance often, as even premium materials can break down over time. However, the longevity of dentist-approved guards compares favourably to universal-fit, store-bought mouthguards made from less durable materials. They tend to break quickly and do not provide the protection your child needs nor the comfort they deserve – so these uncomfortable mouthguards tend to get set aside and simply not worn!
How do you care for a mouthguard?
Bacteria are constantly building up on the mouthguard, increasing your child’s risk of tooth decay and gum disease. You do not want one dental service to lead to the need for another, more extensive restorative service. For this reason, we can advise on ways and products to properly clean the mouthguard and keep harmful oral bacteria at bay. Generally, mouthguards should be worn after each use, scrubbed with a toothbrush, and rinsed with cold water. The guard should also be stored in a well-ventilated container.
Call the cosmetic dentist trusted throughout the Milton, ON area - Scott and Derry Dental Care at
(855) 438-4999book your appointment
online. Every restorative treatment and cosmetic strategy is an individualized experience here.
Great! How can we get started?
Protection from injury starts with a consultation and collecting information about your child’s mouth, which is used to fabricate their one-of-a-kind device. To speak with a member of the Scott and Derry Dental Care team in Milton, ON, call us at (855) 438-4999 today.
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