Put your money where your mouth is

Nowadays, most parents make sure their kids have the right sports equipment, including protective pads for their shins, knees, elbows and shoulders. Sometimes overlooked is a correctly fitting mouthguard.

There are several types of mouthguards to choose from. However, not all mouthguards provide the same protection. If a mouthguard does not fit well, it may negatively affect your child's sports performance, and possibly not do its job and prevent injury. A high-quality mouthguard costs a fraction of the price of repairing a lost or fractured tooth. When choosing a mouthguard for your athlete, consider the three tips below:

• Talking and breathing is critical. A proper mouthguard should stay in place when the athlete opens his or her mouth and participates in rigorous activity. It should also allow the athlete to breathe and speak without obstruction, while affording the most protection possible.

• Thickness and retention are everything. The best mouthguards are pressure laminate mouthguards that cover the molar region with the recommended minimum of 3 mm of thickness over the biting surface. The retention is also better than other varieties. It has also proven more effective in preventing dental trauma and concussions.

• Cheap may not be better. Inexpensive, ready-made stock mouthguards and thermo-formed boil and bite mouthguards fabricated to fit a general population may lack the thickness and retention to prevent dental trauma and concussion. Call your dentist and ask for recommendations.

Also, teach you children to take care of their mouthguard like all their other sporting equipment. Run it under cool water, brush it with a toothbrush occasionally, and store it in its case. Examine it regularly and replace when necessary -- immediately when it has been bitten through.

Most importantly, a mouthguard is only effective if your child wears it! Talk to your child about the importance of wearing the mouthguard.