How to Make Your Child's Sports Mouthguard Last Longer

You won't mind buying your child a new mouthguard if their current one gets damaged when they're playing sports. If the mouthguard took the brunt of a blow, knock or fall, then at least it did its job. However, you'll soon get bored of replacing mouthguards for no good reason. If your child doesn't take care of their mouthguard, if they suddenly refuse to wear the one they have or if they lose guards regularly, then you'll soon get frustrated.

How can you make your child's mouthguard last longer?

Clean the Mouthguard After Each Use

If your child doesn't clean their mouthguard after they wear it, then saliva and bacteria will settle into the guard. This makes the guard smell and taste a bit rank. This gets worse over time if the mouthguard is never cleaned.

When your child puts their mouthguard in next time they head out for a match, the smell and taste may be so bad that they gag. You may not be able to get rid of the general scuzziness, and your child may tell you they won't wear that mouthguard again.

If you rinse the mouthguard after use and clean it regularly with soapy water and a toothbrush, then it will smell and taste OK. Your child can't complain about that.

Store the Mouthguard in Its Case

If your child just throws their mouthguard in their sports bag after wearing it or leaves it on a bathroom shelf, then the mouthguard is more likely to get lost or damaged. It may fall out of the bag, end up in your washing machine tangled up in kit or get warped from sun damage on a shelf.

The case gives the mouthguard a home and protects it. It also helps keep it fresh. Most mouthguard cases have ventilation holes to let air circulate through them.

Consider Getting a Custom Mouthguard

Off-the-shelf and boil-and-bite mouthguards get the job done, but they aren't always comfortable to wear. They may also break more quickly than custom mouthguards.

For example, it's hard to get even coverage on a boil-and-bite mouthguard. Some areas may be thinner than others and your child may just bite through them accidentally.

Custom mouthguards fit exactly and are more comfortable to wear. They also give your child's teeth even coverage everywhere. Your child may take better care of a custom mouthguard because they like wearing it more.

To find out how to get a custom mouthguard, talk to your dentist. They can create a mouthguard that your child will want to wear and that lasts for longer.

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