Did you know kids’ sports guards can help with more than just broken teeth?

I hear you on the compliance thing - my son flat-out refused to wear the custom guard his dentist made. It was just too thick for him, and he’d spit it out halfway through the night. We ended up trying one of those boil-and-bite guards from the pharmacy. Not a perfect fit, but he actually wore it, and his jaw tension improved a bit. I guess sometimes practicality wins over the “ideal” solution... at least until they’re ready for something more precise.

Yeah, I get that - my kid hated the dentist-made one too. Just too bulky. Those boil-and-bite guards aren’t perfect but if he’s actually wearing it, that’s a win in my book. Sometimes good enough really is good enough, y’know?

Sometimes good enough really is good enough, y’know?

Yeah, I’d agree with that most of the time. If a kid actually wears the guard, it’s already preventing way more injuries than one that just sits in the bag. But have you noticed any issues with the boil-and-bite ones getting chewed up or losing shape after a while? That’s been my main gripe - they just don’t last long for heavy grinders.

Also, not sure if you’ve seen this, but some coaches are saying mouthguards might help reduce concussion risk too. There’s still debate about it, but it’s interesting. My nephew’s hockey team made it mandatory for that reason, not just for teeth. Anyone else had experience with that angle? I’m not sold on the science yet, but I get why they’d try.

Anyway, comfort really does seem to be the deciding factor. If it fits and they wear it, you’re ahead of the game.

- Yeah, my cousin’s mouthguard looked like a dog chewed it after one season - he just can’t stop biting down when he’s nervous on the ice. The boil-and-bite ones seem to get gross and floppy pretty fast for him.
- I’ve heard about the concussion thing too. Not sure I buy it 100%, but I guess if it gives parents or coaches peace of mind, why not? Worst case, you still save some teeth.
- Comfort is huge. If it feels weird, my cousin “forgets” to wear his every other game... go figure.

I get what you mean about the boil-and-bite guards turning into a mess. My nephew plays lacrosse and his first mouthguard looked like a chew toy after a couple months - he just gnaws on it when he’s stressed out. We tried a couple different brands, but honestly, most of the over-the-counter ones just didn’t hold up for him. Once we switched to a custom-fit guard from his dentist, it lasted the whole season and he actually wore it without complaining (well, as much).

Comfort is huge. If it feels weird, my cousin “forgets” to wear his every other game... go figure.

That’s so true. If it’s bulky or makes it hard to talk, kids just “forget” to put it in. The custom ones are thinner but still protective, and my nephew said it felt way better - almost like it wasn’t even there. Not cheap, but less hassle than dealing with chipped teeth or nagging him every game.

About the concussion thing, I’ve read some of the studies and honestly, the evidence isn’t totally clear-cut yet. Some say mouthguards might help reduce concussion risk by absorbing shock, others say the effect is minimal. But like you mentioned, even if it’s just about saving teeth, that’s already a win. I’ve seen a couple nasty dental injuries in youth hockey and soccer - one kid lost a front tooth and it was a whole ordeal with implants and stuff. Not fun for anyone.

One thing I didn’t expect: my nephew’s orthodontist said mouthguards can also help protect braces and keep wires from cutting up your lips during contact sports. I never thought about that before, but it makes sense. He had a couple teammates with braces who were grateful for the extra protection.

In the end, I figure if the guard fits well and doesn’t get all gross, kids are more likely to actually use it. And if it saves even one trip to the emergency dentist, that’s worth it in my book.

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?

We use the cleaning tablets too, and honestly, I think they’re way easier than messing around with vinegar or baking soda. My son hates any weird taste, so the tablets have been a win for us. I get being cautious - those guards aren’t cheap to replace. Rinsing right after practice is a must in our house, even if it feels like overkill sometimes.

I’ve wondered about the cleaning tablets - do they actually get rid of that funky smell better than just rinsing? My daughter’s guard always seems to pick up a weird odor even if we’re diligent with cleaning. I’m also curious if anyone’s dentist has ever suggested using mouthwash for extra disinfecting, or if that’s overkill. Sometimes I feel like we’re doing too much, but then again, I’d rather not risk having to buy a new one every season...

I’ve wondered about the cleaning tablets - do they actually get rid of that funky smell better than just rinsing?

In my experience, those tablets do a better job than just water, especially for persistent odors. I’ve had parents use diluted mouthwash once a week too - just don’t soak it too long or it can warp the guard. Rinsing alone usually isn’t enough if there’s already a smell.

- Definitely agree that cleaning tablets outperform plain water, especially once the smell sets in.
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“Rinsing alone usually isn’t enough if there’s already a smell.”

You’re on the right track looking for better cleaning options. It’s one of those things that seems minor, but makes a big difference for comfort and keeping the guard in use.

“Rinsing alone usually isn’t enough if there’s already a smell.”

That’s been my experience too, especially with my son’s football guard. It’s wild how fast that plasticky funk sets in if you skip the cleaner even once. I used to just rinse and call it good, but after a few weeks the smell got so bad he refused to wear it. Cleaning tablets made a huge difference - now he doesn’t complain about the taste or odor.

I’m with you on the mouthwash caution, though. I left his guard soaking overnight once and it totally lost its shape. Learned that lesson the hard way... Now I just do a quick soak and rinse with cold water after, like you mentioned. If the guard looks cloudy or still smells off after cleaning, I just replace it. Not worth the hassle of trying to rescue it.

It really does make a difference for kids actually wanting to use their guards. If they’re grossed out, they’ll just “forget” to put them in.

Yeah, the cleaner tabs are a game changer. I tried just rinsing my kid’s mouthguard for a while - big mistake. That plasticky stank doesn’t mess around and it’s like it seeps into the material if you don’t stay on top of it. I’ve also noticed if you use hot water, it warps fast. Cold rinse is where it’s at.

One thing I started doing is storing the guard in one of those vented cases instead of closed ones. Seems to air out better and gets less gross between uses. Not sure if that’s scientifically sound, but it’s worked for us so far.

One thing I started doing is storing the guard in one of those vented cases instead of closed ones. Seems to air out better and gets less gross between uses.

I’m with you on the vented case - closed ones just seem to trap that weird smell, and then I get nervous about germs. I’ve always worried about bacteria, so I clean mine almost obsessively, but those tabs help a ton. Hot water warping? Been there, ruined that... learned my lesson the hard way. Cold rinse and lots of air seems safest for my peace of mind.

I thought I was being all responsible using a sealed case, but then I opened it after a week and… yikes. Like opening a lunchbox you forgot in your backpack. I’m paranoid about germs too, so now it’s rinse, dry, vented case, repeat. My dentist said not to use mouthwash on it either, which feels weird, but apparently it messes up the material? Anyway, I’m sticking with the “lots of air” club - less mystery funk that way.

I totally get the paranoia about germs - honestly, I’m right there with you. The first time I opened my kid’s mouthguard case after a few days, I was convinced something had died in there. But I actually had a different experience with the sealed case vs. vented one. Our dentist recommended a sealed case specifically because my son’s allergies are so bad, and he said it keeps out dust and pollen that can build up in an open container. That made sense to me, but then I started worrying about moisture and bacteria getting trapped inside.

I ended up doing this weird hybrid thing - sealed case for transport (like in the gym bag), but at home, I rinse it, pat it dry, and leave it open to air out on a clean towel. Not sure if that’s overkill or just me overthinking, but it seems to help with both the funk and the allergy issues.

About the mouthwash - I was surprised too! I wanted to soak it in Listerine every day, but apparently the alcohol can mess with the plastic. My dentist suggested using mild dish soap and a soft brush instead, which feels almost too simple, but it works. I still get nervous about whether I’m cleaning it enough, though.

Has anyone else tried those UV sanitizer boxes? I keep seeing ads for them but don’t know if they’re worth it or just another gadget to clutter up my bathroom.

Anyway, you’re definitely not alone with the “mystery funk” anxiety. It’s wild how much stress comes with these little plastic guards…

I ended up doing this weird hybrid thing - sealed case for transport (like in the gym bag), but at home, I rinse it, pat it dry, and leave it open to air out on a clean towel.

That actually sounds pretty smart. I don’t think you’re overthinking it - those cases can get gross fast. I’ve wondered about the UV boxes too, but I always get stuck on whether they’re really effective or just another “solution” that doesn’t do much. For now, I’m sticking with soap and water like you said. It’s weird how something so basic actually works.