It is really important to protect your kid’s teeth and look after their oral health while they play rugby. Here are our mouthguard hacks to keep your rugby kid smiling!
Mouthguards – aka gum shields – are designed to protect teeth during contact matches and practices and are an essential item of rugby kit for older children playing the contact game.
Younger children playing touch and tag rugby won’t need them until things get more physical.
Here are some hacks to make sure that their teeth and mouths remain free from any issues whilst using a mouthguard/gum shield.
Hack 1: Have a spare mouthguard / gum shield
From being left on the pitch to being accidentally thrown out, mouthguards are small and easy to misplace.
The last thing you need on a hectic morning of a match is to go looking for a new one, so it is worth having a spare just in case.
Hack 2: Make sure they clean their mouthguards
Mouthguards/gum shields are a breeding ground for bacteria, and you don’t want your child to end up with something like oral thrush.
To avoid the build-up of mould and germs, wash them after every use.
Also, keep it in a box and make sure its not thrown in a bag with the rest of the kit.
A box will prevent the mouthguard from coming into contact with dust, dirt and mud.
For more information visit our engaging article Itchy Bits and Rugby Rashes.
Hack 3: Leave enough time to fit the mouthguard
Allow plenty of time to fit the mouthguards and always follow the instructions that come with it.
Do not leave until the morning of a match to fit a new mouthguard, as your child needs time to wear it in.
Hack 4: Practice wearing the gumshield at home first
If your child is using a gumshield for the first time it can take some getting used to.
Avoid them being distracted in their training session or during a match by letting them use it around the home first.
This will also allow them to work out whether it’s rubbing.
Hack 5: Make sure their mouthguard fits properly
If your child’s mouthguard rubs, remould it so that it fits properly.
This will ensure that they are comfortable on the pitch, and that the mouthguard is doing its job.
There are different mouthguards available for smaller mouths and kids who wear braces.
If one particular brand doesn’t suit then try another as mouths come in a range of shapes and sizes.
Hack 6: Keep a tab on your child’s mouthguard
Label the box – there’ll be loads of similar boxes at the end of each game.
Hack 7: Don’t let them share their mouthguard
Should go without saying, but kids sometimes don’t think!
Before you go…
Mouthguards come at different price points and in different colours and sizes. Check out our article on the best kids’ rugby gum guards to see our pick of the best.
