Custom Sports Mouthguards Protect Teeth
Mouth guards, also known as sports guards or athletic mouth protectors, are essential for children involved in sports or recreational activities that pose a risk of injury. These devices fit securely over the upper teeth, protecting the entire oral region from trauma and helping to maintain both the appearance and health of the smile. Additionally, mouth guards can be beneficial for children who grind their teeth at night, preventing potential damage.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) strongly recommends using mouth guards for any sporting or recreational activity. With many store-bought options available for under ten dollars, they offer an affordable and valuable investment for every parent.
How Do Mouth Guards Protect My Child?
The majority of sporting organizations now mandate the use of mouth guards for participants. While their primary function is to protect the teeth, mouth guards also play a crucial role in reducing the force transmitted from a trauma impact on the jaw to the central nervous system at the base of the brain. This helps lower the risk of traumatic brain injury, which is particularly important for younger children.
Additionally, mouth guards help reduce the incidence of the following injuries:
- 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 get for my child?
Although there are thousands of mouth guard brands available, they generally fall into three main categories: stock mouth guards, boil-and-bite mouth guards, and custom-made mouth guards.
When selecting a mouth guard, consider the following factors:
- How much are you willing to spend?
- How frequently does your child participate in sports?
- What type of sport does your child play? (Basketball and baseball, in particular, are known for causing a high number of oral injuries.)
Considering these factors, here is an overview of the pros and cons of each type of mouth guard:
Stock Mouth Guards – These are pre-made and available off the shelf, designed to fit all sizes universally without adjustment. They are inexpensive, easy to find at sporting goods stores, and simple to use. However, they offer minimal protection, can interfere with breathing and speaking, and tend to be uncomfortable. Pediatric dentists generally do not recommend these for adequate protection.
Boil and Bite Mouth Guards – Made from thermoplastic, these mouth guards are commonly found in sporting goods stores. They require immersion in hot water to become pliable, after which they are molded to the child’s teeth. Although they are slightly more expensive than stock mouth guards, they provide better protection, a more comfortable fit, and facilitate easier speech and breathing.
Customized Mouth Guards – These offer the highest level of protection and are made by a dentist. The process involves taking an impression of the child's teeth and constructing the mouth guard based on this mold. While more expensive and requiring a longer fitting time, customized mouth guards provide superior comfort, orthodontic accuracy, and are fully endorsed by the dentist.
If you have any questions or concerns about choosing the right mouth guard for your child, please contact our office.
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