Protecting Your Child’s Smile with Mouth Guards

Mouth guards, also called sports guards or athletic mouth protectors, are essential for children participating in recreational or sporting activities with a risk of injury. They fit snugly over the upper teeth, protecting the oral region from trauma while preserving both the appearance and health of the smile. Mouth guards are also helpful for children who grind their teeth (bruxism) at night.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends mouth guard use during any sporting or recreational activity. Most store-bought options cost less than $10, making them an affordable investment in your child’s oral health.

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How Do Mouth Guards Protect My Child?

Mouth guards primarily protect the teeth, but they also help reduce the force transmitted from trauma to the jaw, minimizing the risk of traumatic brain injury, which is especially important for young children.

Additional injuries reduced by mouth guard use include:

  • Cheek lesions
  • Concussions
  • Gum and soft tissue injuries
  • Jawbone fractures
  • Lip lesions
  • Neck injuries
  • Tongue lesions
  • Tooth fractures

What Type of Mouth Guard Should I Choose?

Mouth guards generally fall into three categories: stock, boil-and-bite, and customized. When selecting a mouth guard, consider:

  • Budget
  • Frequency of sports participation
  • Type of sport (contact sports like basketball and baseball pose higher risks)

Stock Mouth Guards

Stock guards are purchased off the shelf and worn immediately. They are cheap and easy to obtain but offer minimal protection, may obstruct breathing and speaking, and can be uncomfortable. Pediatric dentists usually recommend these least.

Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards

Made from thermoplastic, these guards are softened in hot water and then molded to the child’s teeth. They are more protective and comfortable than stock guards, and allow easier breathing and speech. They are moderately priced and widely available.

Customized Mouth Guards

Custom guards are made by a dentist. An impression of the child’s teeth is taken, and the guard is constructed to fit perfectly. These offer the best protection, comfort, and orthodontic compatibility, though they are more expensive and require a longer fitting process.

If you have questions or concerns about choosing a mouth guard for your child, please contact our office.