Gumshields & Mouthguards for Kids Sports in Ireland

1. Prevents Dental Injuries

Contact sports such as rugby, Gaelic football, and hurling can be physically demanding and can increase the likelihood of dental injuries. A gumshield acts as a cushion for the teeth, gums, and mouth, absorbing the impact of a blow to the face, reducing the risk of broken or knocked-out teeth, lacerated gums, and other dental injuries. Dental injuries can be painful, expensive to treat, and can have long-term effects on a child's oral health. Wearing a gumshield reduces the risk of such injuries, ensuring that children can continue to participate in sports activities without worry.

2. Protects Against Concussions

In addition to dental injuries, contact sports can also increase the risk of concussions, a type of traumatic brain injury that can occur due to a blow to the head. A gumshield can help reduce the risk of concussions by acting as a shock absorber, reducing the force of impact to the head.

According to the American Dental Association, a properly fitted gumshield can reduce the risk of concussion by up to 50%.

3. Promotes Good Oral Health

Wearing a gumshield can also promote good oral health. By preventing dental injuries, gumshields can help reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Additionally, wearing a gumshield can also help prevent teeth grinding and clenching, which can cause headaches, jaw pain, and other dental problems.

4. Mandatory for Certain Sports

In Ireland, gumshields are mandatory for certain sports, including rugby, Gaelic football, and hurling.

This means that children who participate in these sports are required to wear a gumshield during training and matches. This requirement is in place to ensure the safety of children and to reduce the risk of dental and head injuries.

5. Custom-Fit for Maximum Protection

Gumshields come in a range of sizes and types, from off-the-shelf options to custom-fitted options. Custom-fitted gumshields are recommended as they provide the best protection and comfort. A custom-fitted gumshield is designed to fit the specific contours of a child's mouth, ensuring maximum protection and comfort during sports activities.

At what age should kids start wearing gumshields for sport?

Children should start wearing gumshields for sports as soon as they begin participating in contact sports or activities that have a risk of impact to the face or head. Generally, children can start wearing gumshields around the age of 6 or 7 when they begin playing organized sports.

In Ireland, it is mandatory for children to wear gumshields when playing rugby, Gaelic football, and hurling. The regulations state that children must wear a gumshield at all times during training and matches.

It is also important to note that as children grow and develop, their mouths will change, and their gumshield may no longer fit correctly. Parents should regularly check their child's gumshield to ensure it still fits well and offers adequate protection. If a child's gumshield becomes worn or damaged, it should be replaced immediately.

In summary, children should start wearing gumshields for sports as soon as they begin participating in contact sports or activities that have a risk of impact to the face or head. Parents should regularly check their child's gumshield to ensure it still fits well and offers adequate protection.

How to fit a kids gumshield?

Properly fitting a gumshield is essential for ensuring that it offers adequate protection and is comfortable for a child to wear. Here are the steps to fit a kids' gumshield:

Boil water: Bring a pot of water to a boil and let it cool for a few seconds until it is no longer boiling.
Prepare the gumshield: Place the gumshield in the hot water for about 30 seconds, until it becomes soft and pliable.
Cool the gumshield: Remove the gumshield from the hot water with a spoon and place it in a bowl of cold water for a few seconds to cool it down.
Shape the gumshield: Have the child place the gumshield in their mouth and bite down firmly, while using their fingers to press the gumshield against their teeth and gums. The child should use their tongue and fingers to mold the gumshield to the contours of their mouth.
Check the fit: Once the gumshield is molded to the child's mouth, remove it and check the fit. The gumshield should fit snugly and cover all of the child's teeth and gums. If there are any gaps or loose areas, repeat the fitting process.
Trim the gumshield: If the gumshield is too long or uncomfortable, trim it with a pair of scissors, following the manufacturer's instructions. Be careful not to trim too much, as this can affect the gumshield's protection.

It is important to note that the fitting process may differ depending on the type of gumshield and the manufacturer's instructions. Always follow the instructions provided with the gumshield to ensure a proper fit.

In summary, fitting a kids' gumshield involves boiling water, softening the gumshield, shaping it to the child's mouth, checking the fit, and trimming it if necessary. Parents should follow the manufacturer's instructions and ensure that the gumshield fits snugly and covers all of the child's teeth and gums.

Should kids wear a single gum or a double gum gumshield?

Whether a child should wear a single or double gumshield depends on the sport they are playing and their individual needs.

A single gumshield, also known as a standard gumshield, covers only the upper teeth and provides basic protection against impacts to the mouth and jaw.

Single gumshields are suitable for sports like soccer, basketball, and hockey, where there is a low to moderate risk of impact to the face.

On the other hand, a double gumshield, also known as a dual arch gumshield, covers both the upper and lower teeth and provides extra protection against impacts to the jaw and lower face.

Double gumshields are suitable for sports like rugby, Gaelic football, and hurling, where there is a higher risk of impact to the face.

It is important to note that both single and double gumshields should fit properly and offer adequate protection to the child's teeth and gums. Parents should consider the level of impact involved in the sport and the child's individual needs when choosing a gumshield.

Some children may require a custom-fitted gumshield, which is made by a dentist to fit the child's teeth and provide maximum protection. Custom-fitted gumshields are often recommended for children with braces or other dental issues.

Whether a child should wear a single or double gumshield depends on the sport they are playing and their individual needs. Parents should consider the level of impact involved in the sport and the child's individual needs when choosing a gumshield. Custom-fitted gumshields may be necessary for children with braces or other dental issues.

LAST WORD

In conclusion, gumshields are recommended for kids sports in Ireland to prevent dental and head injuries, promote good oral health, and comply with mandatory regulations. Parents and coaches should ensure that children wear properly fitted gumshields during sports activities to ensure their safety and well-being.