Mouth Guards

Mouth guards, also known as sports guards or athletic mouth protectors, are crucial pieces of equipment for any child participating in potentially injurious recreational or sporting activities. Fitting snugly over the upper teeth, mouth guards protect the entire oral region from traumatic injury, preserving both the esthetic appearance and the health of the smile.

In addition, mouth guards are sometimes used to prevent tooth damage in children who grind (brux) their teeth at night.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) in particular, advocates for the use of dental mouth guards during any sporting or recreational activity. Most store-bought mouth guards cost fewer than ten dollars, making them a perfect investment for every parent.

How mouthguards protect my child?

The majority of sporting organizations now require that participants routinely wear mouth guards. Though mouth guards are primarily designed to protect the teeth, they can also vastly reduce the degree of force transmitted from a trauma impact point (jaw) to the central nervous system (base of the brain). In this way, mouth guards help minimize the risk of traumatic brain injury, which is especially important for younger children.

Mouthguards also reduce the prevalence of the following injuries:

The majority of sporting organizations now require that participants routinely wear mouth guards. Though mouth guards are primarily designed to protect the teeth, they can also vastly reduce the degree of force transmitted from a trauma impact point (jaw) to the central nervous system (base of the brain). In this way, mouth guards help minimize the risk of traumatic brain injury, which is especially important for younger children.

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

Placing Space Maintainers at the Office?

For what sport should a mouthguard be used?

The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation predicts more than 3 million teeth will be knocked out in youth sporting events each year. The American Dental Association recommends athletes wear mouthguards for 25 sports - and some of them might surprise you:

Acrobatics • Basketball • Boxing • Discus Throwing • Field Hockey • Football • Gymnastics • Handball • Ice Hockey • Lacrosse • Martial Arts • Lacrosse • Martial Arts • Racquetball • Rugby • Shot Putting • Skateboarding • Snowboarding • Skiing • Skydiving • Soccer • Squash • Surfing • Volleyball • Water Polo • Weightlifting • Wrestling

Mouthguards could prevent more than 200,000 injuries a year to high school and college athletes, according to the American Dental Association. Ask us about the type of mouthguard that’s right for your young athlete.