Mouth guards are important for protecting your child’s teeth during sports. They fit over the upper teeth to prevent injuries. Investing in a mouth guard can keep your child’s smile safe.
Mouth guards, also known as sports guards or athletic mouth protectors, are crucial for any child participating in potentially injurious activities. Fitting snugly over the upper teeth, they protect the mouth from injury, preserving both the appearance and health of the smile. Mouth guards are also used to prevent tooth damage in children who grind their teeth at night.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) advocates for using dental mouth guards during any sporting or recreational activity. Most store-bought mouth guards cost fewer than ten dollars, making them a great investment.
How can mouth guards protect my child?
Many sports organizations now require participants to wear mouth guards. To protect the teeth and reduce the force transmitted from trauma to the central nervous system. This minimizes the risk of traumatic brain injury.
Mouth guards also reduce the risk of:
- Cheek lesions
- Concussions
- Gum and soft tissue injuries
- Jawbone fractures
- Lip lesions
- Neck injuries
- Tongue lesions
- Tooth fractures
What type of mouth guard should I purchase for my child?
There are three main types of mouth guards: stock, boil and bite and custom.
Consider these points when choosing a mouth guard:
- Type of sport (e.g., basketball and baseball cause a moral oral injuries)
- Frequency of sports participation
- Budget
Stock mouth guards – These can be bought off the shelf and fitted immediately. They are universal in fit, affordable and easy to find, but offer minimal protection, can obstruct proper breathing and speaking, and tend to be uncomfortable.
Boil and bite mouth guards – Made from thermoplastic, these can be molded to the teeth by immersing them in hot water. They offer better protection and comfort and allow for easier speech and breathing.
Customized mouth guards – Made by a dentist, these offer the best protection. They are custom-made using an impression of the child’s teeth. They are more expensive and take longer to fit but are more comfortable and orthodontically correct.
If you have questions about choosing a mouth guard for your child, please contact our office.