Head gear and mouthguards can help protect your child’s mouth during sports. They must be used consistently, during practices and games, to be effective. “While some level of head and mouth protection is required in many sports, coaches and parents have a lot of influence on the consistency of use,” notes Dr. Frank Crain.

Head Gear – Helmets, especially with a face guard, protect against tooth damage or loss, as well protect as the bones around the eyes, nose, and jaw.

Mouthguards – There are three types of protective mouthguards for sports play. Your dentist or orthodontist can provide a custom-fitted mouthguard that will offer the best fit to your child’s mouth. Pre-made mouthguards are found in many stores and online. While they do not provide a custom fit, pre-made mouthguards offer much more protection than going without. The most popular option, also readily available, is the boil-and-bite mouthguard in which you boil and soften the mouthguard and then have your child bite down on it.

The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation found that a child is 60 times more likely to suffer a sports injury if they’re not wearing a mouthguard. In addition to protecting your child’s mouth and teeth, mouthguards have also been shown to play a role in preventing concussion by reducing the force of impact from the jawbone to the skull.

When shopping for a mouthguard, make sure it includes the ADA seal of acceptance. Your mouthguard should be stored in a vented case, rinsed with water before and after use, cleaned with a toothbrush, and replaced each season or at the recommendation of your dentist.