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.

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.

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.

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!

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.