Mouth Guards & Braces

If you have child in braces and that child is playing a contact sports, a mouth guard is a critical piece of sports equipment. But the braces themselves can make a mouth guard uncomfortable, so a young athlete might be tempted to leave it off the field. The American Dental Association identifies potential risk to dental health in rugby, football, hockey, gymnastics, soccer and volleyball. If you add braces to the athlete, the potential for severe damage due to a blow to the face increases.

Function

Mouth guards act to protect a child's jaw and teeth during play. Mouth guards pad the teeth and jaw as well as provide support for the face or head. They reduce the risk of a broken or lost teeth. And they protect the mouth from lacerations from braces.

Types

There are three types of mouth guards: off the shelf, so-called "bite and boil" and custom made. Off the shelf are the cheapest option, but also the most difficult to fit comfortably, especially over braces. Bite and boil are just that--you boil the mouth guard to soften it and then bite it to have it mold itself to your teeth. These are a good option compared to a simple, off the shelf variety. The best option, though, is the custom guard. These mouth guards, often made by your dentist, are expensive, but are guaranteed to fit comfortably. If you wear the guard frequently, the cost per wear is minimal.

Benefits

You need to protect your mouth and jaw from any impact. And if you have braces, a mouth guard protects from any laceration to the inner lining of your mouth that can occur from even a minor bump. Braces themselves get protection, too, minimizing emergency orthodontic appointments to re-cement broken appliances that have been displaced during a practice or game.

Considerations

You need to care for your mouth guard as you do your braces. It's an appliance that is placed in your mouth, so it requires regular cleaning. Brush it every day and rinse it with mouthwash. And once a week, wash it in soap and water. Don't leave it in the sun, as the material from which it is made will often melt in direct sunlight. Have your dentist or orthodontist check your mouth guard during your regular cleaning for any wear. You want to be sure it's protecting your braces appropriately. Replace a mouth guard that has holes, seems frayed or is beginning to tear.

Expert Insight

Get your orthodontist's recommendation for a mouth guard. Many have them in the office in local team colors. And opinions differ among orthodontists as to whether a custom-fitted mouth guard is the best option. The main concern with a custom mouth guard is that your teeth are moving around, so six months after the mouth guard is made, it might not fit as comfortably. But there is universal agreement that a mouth guard is key to protection during contact, especially if you have braces.

Tags: mouth guard, your mouth, best option, guard that, have braces, mouth from, mouth guard that