If it’s bulky or makes it hard to talk, kids just “forget” to put it in.
That hits home. My kid’s first mouthguard was so thick he’d take it out to call plays, then “forget” to put it back in half the time. Once he got a thinner custom one, it was a total game changer—he actually wore it the whole match and stopped chewing on it out of boredom.
I’m with you on the concussion debate. I’ve read a few articles, and it feels like there’s still a lot we don’t know. But after seeing a teammate lose a tooth, I’m not messing around. We’d rather pay for a custom guard than emergency dental work.
The braces thing surprised me too. My niece had wires pop out during basketball, and her mouth was shredded until she started using a guard. It’s not just about teeth—it’s lips, gums, all of it.
Has anyone had trouble getting their kids to clean their guards regularly? Ours gets pretty gross if we don’t remind him, and I’m not sure what actually works best for cleaning them.
Has anyone had trouble getting their kids to clean their guards regularly? Ours gets pretty gross if we don’t remind him, and I’m not sure what actually works best for cleaning them.
Ugh, yes, the cleaning thing is a constant battle here too. I’ve tried those fizzy denture tablets but my son says they make his guard taste weird. Now he just uses a toothbrush and some mild soap, but honestly, it still smells funky sometimes. I get anxious about bacteria and stuff... I wish there was an easier way.
Now he just uses a toothbrush and some mild soap, but honestly, it still smells funky sometimes.
Funny you mention that... I actually stopped using soap on mine because it left a weird aftertaste. What’s worked for me (and my daughter) is rinsing it with cold water right after use, then soaking it in a mix of water and white vinegar once a week. Not perfect, but way less smell than before. Might be worth a shot if you haven’t tried it yet.
Yeah, I totally get that weird aftertaste thing—soap just made it worse for us too. Vinegar’s been my go-to, but sometimes I’ll throw in a pinch of baking soda if it’s really stubborn. The smell never fully goes away, but it’s way better than before. I’ve also noticed that if my kid forgets to rinse it right after practice, it gets gross so fast... Maybe I’m just paranoid, but I keep a backup guard just in case.
Vinegar’s been my go-to, but sometimes I’ll throw in a pinch of baking soda if it’s really stubborn. The smell never fully goes away, but it’s way better than before.
Honestly, I’ve always worried about using vinegar or baking soda too often on guards—my dentist said it can mess with the material over time. I get wanting to get rid of that funk (it’s the worst), but I switched to those little cleaning tablets you dissolve in water. They’re not perfect, but I feel like they’re gentler and don’t leave that weird aftertaste.
I totally relate to the backup guard thing. My kid left his in the car once and it was game over... had to toss it. I’m probably a little over the top, but I make him rinse it right after practice and then again at home. It’s a pain, but it’s helped with the grossness.
Curious if anyone else has tried the tablets or if it’s just me being extra cautious?