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Protecting Your Child’s Smile With Mouth Guards

Mouth guards, also known as sports guards or athletic mouth protectors, are essential for any child involved in sports or recreational activities that may result in injury. Fitting snugly over the upper teeth, mouth guards provide vital protection for the entire mouth, preserving both the appearance and health of your child's smile. They are especially beneficial for children who grind their teeth at night, helping to prevent tooth damage.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) strongly recommends mouth guards for all children engaging in any sport or recreational activity. With prices often under $10, mouth guards are an affordable investment that can save parents from costly dental bills.

How Can Mouth Guards Protect My Child?

Most sports organizations now mandate mouth guard use for all participants. While the primary purpose of a mouth guard is to protect the teeth, it also plays a crucial role in reducing the amount of force transferred from an impact to the jaw, which in turn helps protect the brain. This is especially important for younger children, as mouth guards can reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries.

In addition to protecting against tooth damage, mouth guards can prevent the following injuries:

  • Cheek lesions
  • Concussions
  • Gum and soft tissue injuries
  • Jawbone fractures
  • Lip lesions
  • Neck injuries
  • Tongue lesions
  • Tooth fractures
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What Type of Mouth Guard Should I Choose for My Child?

Although there are numerous mouth guard brands available, they generally fall into three main categories: stock mouth guards, boil-and-bite mouth guards, and customized mouth guards. To help you choose the right one for your child, consider the following factors:
  • Budget available
  • Frequency of sports participation
  • Type of sport (basketball and baseball, for example, are more likely to cause oral injuries)

Comparison of Each Type of Mouth Guard

  • Stock Mouth Guards: These mouth guards are available off-the-shelf and are ready for immediate use. They come in a universal, one-size-fits-all design. Stock mouth guards are very affordable, easy to find at sporting goods stores, and quick to use. However, they offer minimal protection, may interfere with breathing and speaking, and tend to be uncomfortable. These are generally not recommended by pediatric dentists.
  • Boil and Bite Mouth Guards: Made from thermoplastic material, these mouth guards are commonly available at most sporting goods stores. To fit them, parents must heat the thermoplastic in water to soften it, and then press it onto the child’s teeth to create a custom mold. Boil-and-bite mouth guards are slightly more expensive than stock models but offer better protection, comfort, and allow for easier breathing and speech.
  • Customized Mouth Guards: For the best protection and comfort, customized mouth guards are the way to go. These mouth guards are made by a dentist, who creates a mold of the child’s teeth before constructing the guard over the impression. Though they are more costly and take longer to fit, customized mouth guards are designed to be comfortable, orthodontically correct, and provide superior protection. At Sky Pediatric Dentistry, we also offer custom mouth guards in your team’s colors! Please contact us at 270-715-5437 to learn more.
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270-715-5437
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