Do you have a budding athlete on your hands? Then you’re probably already buying pads for a host of vulnerable body parts including knees and elbows. Make sure you add your child’s teeth to that list. Surprisingly, the mouth is the most commonly injured area of the body in contact sports, but you can prevent or minimize the possibility of injury by purchasing a mouthguard.

A mouthguard covers the upper teeth and helps to prevent injuries to the teeth, lips, cheeks, tongue and jaw. Talk to your dentist about which of the following types of mouthguards is right for your child:

• Stock or ready-made mouthguards are the least expensive and can be bought at most sports stores. Since they’re pre-formed, they often don’t fit very well. In fact, many athletes complain they make it difficult to breathe and speak and are too bulky, loose or uncomfortable.
• Boil-and-bite mouthguards, available at most sporting goods stores, may offer a better fit. You can mold these guards to fit your child’s mouth by boiling them in water and then biting into the warm plastic.
• Your dentist can design and construct a custom-fitted mouthguard. While this type of guard is more expensive than others, its custom fit protects your child’s breathing and speech from interference.

Caring for your mouthguard is simple. Just rinse it under cold water after each use and occasionally clean it with soap and cool water. Since mouthguards can tear or wear out, be sure to replace it after each sporting season.

Talk to your dentist about preserving that all-star smile today. Your teeth will thank you for it.