Teeth protector - how to choose and form correctly. What jaws for children?

Today, I don't think anyone can imagine contact sports without a mouthguard commonly referred to as a "jaw guard.". Whether you train recreationally or perhaps want to go to the next level, a good protector will fully protect your dentition from being knocked, chipped or broken out. It will effectively prevent contact between teeth, which could result in biting the tongue. One study confirmed that the risk of craniofacial injury was from 1,6 to 1,9 times higher for athletes who did not wear mouthguards. Therefore, it is very important to have it!

How we divide the protectors? How to mold them or take care of hygiene issues?

When choosing the right "jaw" you need to take into account the type of sport you practice. The most widespread use of the mouthguard is in sports such as fistfighting, MMA, Kickboxing, Muay Thai or wrestling, but this is not the rule. Hockey players, soccer players, baseball players, rugby players, and amazingly enough, basketball or handball players also benefit from this type of dental protection. In a word, all those athletes who are at risk of receiving a blow to the face.

It is the type of discipline that will determine how much security we need.

We can divide the protectors into three groups:

• single layer
• gel (multilayer)
• hydraGEL protectors

✅ Single layer protectors - Standard

Protectors from the Standard line feature a simple design and a level of protection suitable for martial arts training for beginners and intermediates. Included with the protector you will receive an antibacterial box for its storage.

If we recreationally practice contact sports, a single layer protector is completely sufficient.

Click on the photo below to go to the offer of a specific protector.

✅ Multilayer (gel) protectors - GelTech

The case is different with a multilayer protector. This type of security is much more professional. The key role is played by the gel coating, which effectively cancels out the energy of a strong blow, thus avoiding shocks. The gel protector usually fits the dentition much better, and thanks to the innovative materials used in production, it guarantees comfort and better protection.

Protectors from the GelTech line are made of 2 protective layers - the outer harder one, which is responsible for protecting the teeth from impacts, and the inner softer one that ensures a precise fit to the shape of the dentition. The protector has additional breathing channels to facilitate airflow when the jaw is clenched. Included with the protector you will receive an antibacterial box for its storage.

Not surprisingly, it is very popularly used in sparring and official competitions. Breathing freely and swallowing saliva comfortably are also important here. All thanks to the developers' design of special channels. It is also worth mentioning the less popular custom-made prosthetic protectors, so they perfectly fit the jaw of the player.

Click on the photo below to go to the offer of a specific protector.

✅ HydraGEL protectors - HydraGelTech

The protectors of the HydraGelTech line are made of 2 protective layers - the outer harder one, which is responsible for protecting the teeth from impacts, and the inner softer one, which ensures a precise fit to the shape of the dentition. HydraGel interior plastic provides increased flexibility when the protector is molded, making the molding process easier than protectors made of other plastics. Included with the protector you will receive an antibacterial box for its storage.

Click on the photo below to go to the offer of a specific protector.

Which mouth guards for children?

When selecting mouthguards for children, follow the same rules as for adults. These protectors do not differ in material or design - only in size. Most children's protectors use the "Junior" designation or size "S".

Click on the photo below to go to the offer of a specific protector.

Single or double protector?

Opinions are divided and we have to find the best solution for ourselves.

According to popular opinion, single protectors (protecting the upper part of the jaw) provide great comfort because they guarantee greater airflow.

Double-jaw users complain of being forced to constantly clench their teeth and having little oxygen flow. The mouth must be closed so as not to risk the double jaw falling out. The advantage of this type of protector is certainly the possibility of taming, as well as a design that ensures proper alignment and stabilizes the jaw.

Thus, it is a great solution for beginners and the first step to using only the top protector over time. With all these considerations in mind, make your choice based on your personal preferences and needs. However, it should be remembered that protectors designed typically for combat sports are thicker than others for the reason that mainly the head is attacked. When it comes to stick activities such as field hockey or soccer, the best protectors are those additionally reinforced at the front. This will guarantee the protection of vulnerable incisors. Other sports use very thin protectors.

How to properly form mouthguards?

A common problem among consumers is the proper fit of jaw protectors.

Fortunately, this is a very simple activity.

✅ We need to boil water, which we then pour into a glass or other glass vessel.

✅ Into the boiling water prepared in this way, we put our protector and wait about thirty seconds - this time may change depending on the specific jaw model. The necessary information is certainly on the product packaging.

✅ After removing the jaw from the glass, slightly cool the protector under a cold tap to avoid burns.

✅ When we have done the above steps, it is time to put the mouthguard on the teeth, press it against the upper teeth, and then suck in the air, which will allow the mouthguard to fit perfectly on our teeth.

✅ Put the mouth guard in the freezer for about 10 - 15 minutes.

✅ After taking it out of the freezer, rinse it under cold water. And all done, such a jaw is ready for use.

Sometimes the whole process must be repeated several times until the protectors are properly formed.

Check out the video below in which we thoroughly describe and demonstrate the entire process of molding mouthguards.

How to take care of mouthguard hygiene?

Taking care of hygiene issues is trivial.

It is recommended to scrub gently with a toothbrush - it is very important that it is a different brush from the one you use every day to brush your teeth. After thorough brushing, rinse the jaw under water at room temperature. Then leave it on the washbasin to dry.

How to convince your child to wear a mouthguard?

For many children, wearing a mouth guard can be uncomfortable or even a little scary at first. However, with the right approach and motivation, it is possible to convince a young athlete that this is not only a necessity, but also an element that can be cool.

✅ Choosing the right design and color - Children love toys and objects that are colorful and visually appealing. Many manufacturers offer pads in different colors, designs and even with your favorite cartoon characters. Let your child choose his favorite design - this can be the first step to accepting the protector.

✅ Learning through play - Instead of treating the protector as just another chore, you can introduce it into your child's world through play. For example, you can tell stories about superheroes who wear pads to protect their super teeth.

✅ Joint formation of the protector - the process of forming the protector can be a great time to spend with your child. Show him how to do it, let him help you and make the process more interactive.

✅ Education - explain to the child why the protector is important. Use simple words and examples that he will understand. For example, you can compare the protector to a cyclist's helmet - both protect important parts of our bodies.

✅ Positive patterns - if your child's older siblings or sports idols wear pads, use them as an example. Children often want to imitate their heroes, so seeing them with a protector may make them feel more motivated to wear it.

Teeth protectors for children - the key to safety and healthy development

In the world of sports, where every move, leap or blow can bring not only triumph, but also the risk of injury, mouth guards are becoming an essential piece of equipment for young athletes. For children who are in a phase of intense growth and development, a properly fitted mouthguard is key to protecting their young teeth.

Not everyone realizes that a mouthguard can affect jaw development in children. Therefore, it is important to choose models specifically designed for younger users that take into account their anatomical peculiarities, including milk teeth. A properly selected protector not only protects against injury, but also promotes the proper development of the jaw and dentition.