As the school year kicks off in Acadiana, so does football season. Across the region, student-athletes are heading back to practices, scrimmages, and games.
Parents are double-checking gear lists, coaches are getting their teams ready, and communities are packing the stands to support their local programs.
Helmets and pads are always top of mind, but one piece of equipment that often gets overlooked is the mouthguard. It plays a big role in protecting young athletes from dental injuries.
What Can Happen Without a Mouthguard
Football is a high-contact sport, and the risk of injury is always there, especially for kids and teens whose teeth and bones are still developing.
Without a mouthguard, players are more likely to suffer from chipped or broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, cuts to the lips and tongue, or even jaw fractures. It doesn’t take a huge collision for these injuries to happen. A helmet to the chin, a bad fall, or even contact during a routine play can cause serious damage.
Mouthguards also help absorb and spread out the force of impact, offering some protection against concussions. They won’t prevent a concussion completely, but they can reduce how severe it is.
Choosing the Right Mouthguard for Your Child
Not all mouthguards offer the same level of protection or comfort. There are three main types, each with their own pros and cons.
Stock Mouthguards
Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and sold in most sporting goods stores. They’re inexpensive but usually bulky and uncomfortable. Since they aren’t shaped to the athlete’s teeth, they often don’t stay in place and can make it harder to breathe or talk.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
These are a step up from stock versions and are also easy to find in stores. After being softened in hot water, they’re molded around the teeth by biting down. The fit is better than stock, but still not perfect. They can feel uncomfortable and often wear down quickly with regular use.
Custom-Fit Mouthguards
Custom mouthguards are made by a dentist using a mold of the athlete’s teeth. They offer the best protection, comfort, and durability. Because they’re designed specifically for the individual, they stay in place, making it easier to breathe and speak. Most importantly, custom mouthguards provide the highest level of protection against serious injuries.
Tips for Parents
Get a Mouthguard Early
A mouthguard should be ready before the very first practice. Injuries don’t wait for game day. They can happen during drills, warmups, or scrimmages.
Once a tooth is damaged, there’s often no fixing it completely. Starting the season without a mouthguard is an unnecessary risk. Make it part of the uniform from day one.
Check the Fit
A good mouthguard should fit snugly, cover all the teeth (especially the back molars), and stay in place without being clenched. Your child should be able to talk and breathe comfortably while wearing it. If it keeps falling out or your child keeps taking it out, it probably needs to be adjusted or replaced.
Keep It Clean
Mouthguards should be rinsed with cool water after every use and cleaned gently with a toothbrush. Skip the toothpaste since it can wear down the material. Store the mouthguard in a ventilated case, away from direct sunlight or heat. If it becomes cracked, misshapen, or too worn, it’s time to get a new one.
Final Thoughts
Football is a tough sport, and injuries can happen fast. No piece of gear can prevent every accident, but a mouthguard is one of the easiest and most effective ways to lower the risk of serious dental injuries.
If your child is playing football or any other contact sport this season, make sure they’re protected. Talk with your dentist about the type of mouthguard that’s best for your child. Don’t wait until something goes wrong.
Call our pediatric dental office in Lafayette or New Iberia to schedule an appointment. We’ll help make sure your child has the right protection before they step on the field.