Athletic Mouth Guards

Q: What is an athletic mouth guard?
A: Athletic mouth guards, are made of a soft pliable rubber. They are custom fitted in the mouth or on a plaster model to cover the upper teeth.

Q: What is the importance of wearing mouth guards?
A: Mouth guards should be a part of every athlete's uniform. They are as important as knee pads, helmets, and other athletic protective equipment. They protect the teeth, lips, gums, and tongue. They also can prevent children from concussions and jaw fractures. Many organized sports require mouth guards to prevent injury to children. The majority of trauma to the mouth occur when athletes do not wear mouth guards, especially in unorganized sports activities.

Q: When should my child wear a mouth guard?
A: Whenever he or she participates in an athletic activity with a risk of a fall, or an injury to the mouth or head by other players and sports equipment. This includes football, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, and skateboarding. Many people think that heavy contact sports like football and hockey are the most damaging to the teeth, but almost half of sports caused mouth injuries occur while playing basketball and baseball. Also studies show that many traumatic injuries occur when children participate in unsupervised sports in the gym or playground.

Q: What type of mouth guard should I get for my child?
A: Choose a mouth guard that your child can wear comfortably. If a mouth guard is not comfortable or makes it difficult for him or her to talk during sports, your child will not wear it.
There are three different types of mouth guards. Preformed or "boil-and-bite" mouth guards are found in sports and department stores. There is a range in their comfort, protection, and price.
Second are professionally fitted mouth guards. They are formed in the patient's mouth by a pediatric dentist, and are reasonably priced. The last are customized mouth guards which are laboratory fabricated and provided through a pediatric dentist. They cost more, but are the most comfortable and can be more effective in preventing oro-facial injuries and concussions. We can provide you with additional information on choosing the best mouth guard for your child.

Center for Pediatric Dental Care * 1560 Beacon Street * Brookline, MA 02446 * 617-731-KIDS (5437)