It’s important to ensure your child is protecting their face and teeth while playing sports. Just like you wouldn’t let them play without the proper safety gear, you shouldn’t let them play without a mouthguard.
Mouth guards are plastic dental appliances worn over the teeth to protect players from injury. They are made from a soft, resilient plastic that can distribute forces of impact and protect the teeth, cheeks, gums, and lips from lacerations, disjointed jaws, and even loss of teeth.
Mouth guards are recommended for athletes participating in any sport with a risk of contact with other players or flying objects, such as balls. Common sports where mouthguards are worn include football, hockey, lacrosse, and basketball.
The American Dental Association (ADA) believes that wearing a properly fitted mouth guard is the best way to protect teeth from injuries while playing sports.
Types of Mouthguards for Kids
Here are four types of mouthguards used by athletes when playing sports:
- Pre-Formed Guards
Pre-formed guards may be easy to find and offer quick protection, but they are only sometimes reliable or comfortable. This is because they only come in one size, which may not fit well or be comfortable for everyone. Additionally, these guards can make it difficult to talk and breathe.
- Stock Mouth Guards
A stock mouth guard is an inexpensive but ill-fitting equipment used to protect the mouth. They are often uncomfortable as the sizing is not specific to the individual.
- Boil and Bite
A boil and bite mouth guard is a type of mouth guard you can buy at a sporting goods store. This mouthguard is a little more expensive than other mouthguards, but you can mold it to fit your child’s mouth.
To do this, boil the mouth guard, let it cool, and then put it in your child’s mouth. They bite down to create the right shape. Boil and bite mouthguards are a good choice for many people because you can adapt them to your teeth. But custom guards are more effective.
- Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Many mouthguards are available in the market, but custom-made mouthguards are the best. They are made according to the child’s mouth size and provide full comfort. They are a bit expensive, but they are worth the price as they offer complete protection.
Why Choose Custom-Made Guards
Mouth guards custom-fitted to your child’s mouth are the best option, as professional athletes use them. They may be more expensive, but they provide exceptional comfort. This is important, as you want your child to wear the mouthguard!
A mouthguard that is custom-fit by a dentist will take an impression of the mouth, including the teeth, contours, roof of the mouth, and gum line. Depending on the sport, different mouthguards, such as heavy-duty or slimmer styles, are available. There is limited research on this topic, however, mouthguards could help protect against concussions.
Conclusion
Custom mouthguards are an important piece of equipment for athletes of all levels. They protect the teeth and gums from impact and help to prevent concussions. While many different types and brands of mouthguards are available, custom-made mouthguards offer the best fit and protection. Consult a dentist or other medical professional to find the best mouthguard for your child.
At the Waban Dental Group, we provide a full range of dental services for your entire family. Our multi-specialty practice offers adult, pediatric, and orthodontic dental services, with the main focus on your dental health and satisfaction. Convenience, quality care, decades of experience, and a top-notch team are what sets the Waban Dental Group apart. Our knowledgeable staff is a trustworthy source for everything from routine cleanings to orthodontics. If you’re considering getting adult braces, our orthodontics in Newton, MA, will take good care of you. Get in touch with us to restore your smile!
