However, it's become amply clear to me, that most kids do not like wearing a mouth guard. But they also seem to get use to them pretty quickly. So stick with it and I'm sure you'll find the same.
Below are some tips I have learned along the way to help ensure the kids get there a little quicker.
Good Luck!
- buy cheap 'boil & bite' mouth guards. No need to buy expensive mouth guards because they chew through them anyway, remember we're dealing with 5 & 6 year old's. The science also suggests that the cheap ones are just as protective as the custom fit ones anyway.
- use scissors to cut the ends off of the mouth guards as well. I've yet to find a mouth guard that properly fits in the mouth of a kid this age. It's a bit of guess work to figure out exactly where to cut the mouth guard, but just hold it up to their cheek and you can make a reasonable judgement.
- follow the directions exactly as written on the package around how to mold the mouth guard. Depending on the brand you usually have to dip it in boiling water for about 15 - 45 seconds, then a quick dip in cool water before placing it in the mouth. I suggest quickly dipping it into something the kid likes to drink, like apple juice, and then popping it in their mouth. Tell them to bite down and suck all the juice out while you count to 30. I've done this now several times and have had great success. Still can't get him to stop chewing through them though :-)
FYI - there has been quite a bit of controversy out there around mouth guards and the prevention of concussions. You'll hear this idea from time to time around the rink and even outside the rink. But despite this popular belief it seems most experts do not believe it to be true. That being said, these same experts do still believe it's a great idea to wear a mouth guard. There is plenty of evidence that they do protect you from dental injuries and some facial fractures.
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