Frequently Asked Questions Answered About Mouth Guards

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Your children will be heading back to school within the next week or so. The beginning of a new school year brings along parent teacher conferences, play dates, class trips and fall sports.

If your child is signed up for a fall sport such as soccer or football, you should consider purchasing them a mouth protector or mouth guard to protect their precious teeth!

Here are a few of your frequently asked questions about mouth guards, answered. Let us know if you have any additional questions on our Facebook page.

What are athletic mouth protectors?

Athletic mouth protectors, or mouth guards, are made of soft plastic. They are adapted to fit comfortably to the shape of the upper teeth.

Why are mouth guards important?

Mouth guards hold top priority as sports equipment. They protect not just the teeth, but the lips, cheeks, and tongue. They help protect children from such head and neck injuries as concussions and jaw fractures. Increasingly, organized sports are requiring mouth guards to prevent injury to their athletes. Research shows that more oral injuries occur when athletes are not wearing mouth protection.

When should my child wear a mouth guard?

Whenever he or she is in an activity with a risk of falls or of head contact with other players or equipment. This includes football, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, skateboarding, even gymnastics.

How do I choose a mouth guard for my child?

Any mouth guard works better than no mouth guard. So, choose a mouth guard that your child can wear comfortably. If a mouth guard feels bulky or interferes with speech, it will be left in the locker room.

You can select from several options in mouth guards. First, preformed “boil to fit” mouth guards are found in sports stores. Different types and brands vary in terms of comfort, protection, and cost. Second, customized mouth guards are provided through your pediatric dentist. They cost a bit more, but are more comfortable and more effective in preventing injuries. Your pediatric dentist can advise you on what type of mouth guard would work best for your child.