The Importance of Wearing a Mouth Guard

It’s so hard to believe that kids are already back in school and Fall is just a couple of weeks away. As your young ones get settled into the new year and start picking the sports they want to play this Fall/Winter; there is one essential thing to add to the must-have checklist – a mouth guard.

An estimated 20 to 25 million children will participate in competitive sports this year, and with that comes inevitable injuries. According to the National Youth Sports Foundation for Safety, dental injuries are the most common type of injuries sustained during sports participation. The good news is – dental injuries are easily preventable!

How to Keep Those Pearly Whites in Check

Wearing a properly fitted mouth guard reduces the severity of dental injuries and can also help reduce the potential for a concussion to athletes. The American Dental Association recommends wearing custom mouth guards for the following sports: acrobats, basketball, boxing, field hockey, football, gymnastics, handball, ice hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, roller hockey, rugby, shot putting, skateboarding, skiing, skydiving, soccer, squash, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, and wrestling. In addition, the American Dental Association recommends that a mouth guard is worn during all practices and competition.

How to Select the Right Mouth Guard

There are three types of mouth guards to consider when you are making your decision:

1. Ready-made

2. Mouth-formed, Boil, and Bite Mouth guards

3. Custom-made by a dentist

The types of mouth guards listed above vary in price and level of comfort for the athlete. The great news – all of these provide protection! According to the American Dental Association, the most effective mouth guard should be comfortable, durable, and tear resistant. Please remember that damaged teeth do not grow back and repairs can be expensive; so do everyone a favor and wear a mouth guard! Looking for a custom option? We’ve got you covered! Contact our office today or request an appointment to schedule a fitting.