This post was originally written in March 2017, and updated in June 2023.
As a parent, it’s important to keep your child safe while they participate in sports and other physical activities. One way to protect their smile is by investing in an athletic mouthguard. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into why athletic mouthguards are important for kids and how you can choose the right one for your child.
Why Are Athletic Mouthguards Important?
According to the American Dental Association, athletic mouthguards can help prevent tooth and jaw injuries by absorbing the impact of a blow to the face. Without a mouthguard, a child’s teeth and jaws can be easily injured during contact sports like football, hockey, basketball and soccer. Injuries like these can cause permanent damage to your child’s smile, so it’s important to take preventative measures.
How Do You Choose the Right Athletic Mouthguard?
There are several types of athletic mouthguards to choose from, and each has its own benefits. Here are a few options to consider:
Stock Mouthguards: These pre-made mouthguards can be found at most sporting goods stores. While they are affordable and easy to find, they may not fit your child’s mouth perfectly and may not offer as much protection.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: These mouthguards are softened in boiling water and then molded to your child’s teeth for a custom fit. They are also widely available and offer better protection than stock mouthguards.
Custom-Made Mouthguards: These mouthguards are made by a dentist and are designed to fit your child’s mouth perfectly. While they are the most expensive option, they also offer the highest level of protection and comfort.
No matter which type of mouthguard you choose, it’s important to make sure it fits your child’s mouth properly and doesn’t obstruct their breathing.
When Should Kids Wear an Athletic Mouthguard?
Your child should wear an athletic mouthguard during any sport or physical activity where there is a risk of injury to their teeth or jaws. This includes contact sports like football, hockey, and boxing, as well as non-contact sports like gymnastics and skateboarding. Even seemingly harmless activities like biking or rollerblading can result in dental injuries, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and have your child wear a mouthguard during any physical activity.
Athletic mouthguards are a simple and effective way to protect your child’s smile while they participate in sports and other physical activities. By choosing the right mouthguard and ensuring a proper fit, you can help prevent permanent damage to their teeth and jaws. Don’t wait until it’s too late – invest in an athletic mouthguard for your child today.
DeJesus Dental Group is a family dental practice which sees patients of all ages at both their Bridgeport/Trumbull and Shelton dental offices. If you’d like to bring your child in for a custom mouthguard, we have a dental special which is $100 off custom dental mouthguards.