Sports can make a kid’s life better and help them stay fit and strong. But kids who take part in sports activities are also at risk of injuring their teeth. Sports-related dental injuries can result in children losing time from school and parents paying thousands of dollars to have their kids’ teeth and jaws fixed. The good news is that a comfortable mouthguard can help protect children’s mouths and parents’ pocketbooks.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends wearing a mouth guard for various contact sports. According to the ADA, people who don't wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) calls for using mouthguards during any sport.

There are three different kinds of mouthguards.

A store-bought mouthguard is available at most sporting goods stores. This one-size-fits-all mouthguard is inexpensive and comes in a limited selection. This mouthguard gives minimal protection, can obstruct speaking, and is often uncomfortable because it is not an exact fit.

A boil and bite mouth guard is placed in hot water and then formed into shape by a child’s teeth. Boil and bite mouth guards are more comfortable but don’t provide full protection in sports.

A custom-made mouth guard offers the best protection for children’s teeth. A dentist makes an impression of the child’s teeth, and the impression is used to create the mouth guard out of high-quality material.

A custom-made mouth guard protects the entire mouth from traumatic injury. Best of all for parents, the cost is very reasonable and far cheaper than dental surgery after an accident.

If your child needs a mouthguard for sports, please call our office to make an appointment. The dentist will examine your child, identify your child’s needs, and create a custom-made mouth guard that fits perfectly. Don’t put this off until it is too late, call us today.