Image

Mouth guards, also known as sports guards or athletic mouth protectors, are vital safety devices for any child participating in potentially harmful recreational or sporting activities. Fitting snugly over the upper teeth, mouth guards protect the entire oral region from traumatic injury, preserving both the appearance and the health of their smile. In addition, mouth guards are sometimes used to prevent tooth damage in children who grind their teeth (bruxism) at night.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) strongly advises the use of dental mouth guards during any sporting or recreational activity. Most readily available mouth guards cost less than ten dollars, making them a wise investment for every parent.

How can mouth guards protect my child?

Many sporting organizations now mandate that participants routinely use mouth guards. While primarily designed to protect the teeth, mouth guards can also significantly reduce the force transmitted from an impact to the jaw to the central nervous system (base of the brain). In this way, mouth guards help to minimize the risk of traumatic brain injury, which is particularly important for younger children.

Mouth guards also help to decrease the occurrence of the following injuries:

  • Cheek abrasions
  • Concussions
  • Gum and soft tissue damage
  • Jawbone fractures
  • Lip abrasions
  • Neck injuries
  • Tongue abrasions
  • Tooth fractures
Image

What type of mouth guard should I purchase for my child?

While there are numerous brands of mouth guards available, most fall into three main categories: stock mouth guards, boil and bite mouth guards, and custom-made mouth guards.

When choosing a mouth guard, consider the following:

  • What is your budget?
  • How often does your child participate in sports?
  • What type of sport does your child play? (Basketball and baseball tend to have a higher incidence of oral injuries.)
Considering these points, here's an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of mouth guard:

Stock mouth guards

These can be purchased directly off the shelf and used immediately. They have a non-adjustable, universal fit (one-size-fits-all). Stock mouth guards are very affordable, easy to find in sporting goods stores, and require no special fitting. However, pediatric dentists generally don't recommend them as they offer the least protection, can interfere with breathing and speaking, and are often uncomfortable.

Boil and bite mouth guards

These are typically made of thermoplastic material and are widely available in sporting goods stores. To fit them, the thermoplastic is softened in hot water and then molded to the child's teeth by biting down. Boil and bite mouth guards are slightly more expensive than stock mouth guards but tend to provide better protection, are more comfortable, and allow for easier speech and breathing.

Customized mouth guards

These offer the highest level of protection and are individually made by a dentist. The dentist takes an impression of the child's teeth, and the mouth guard is created based on this mold. Custom-made mouth guards are more expensive and require a dental appointment for fitting, but they offer the best comfort, are designed to work with orthodontics if needed, and are fully recommended by the dentist.Sky Pediatric Dentistry offers custom mouthguards in your team's colors. Please contact us if you are interested in learning more!
If you have any questions or concerns about selecting a mouth guard for your child, please consult with their pediatric dentist.
Image

New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome!

Request an Appointment
615-420-9170
Image