Mouth Guards
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) in particular, advocates for the use of dental mouth guards during any sporting or recreational activity.
Mouth Guards Protect Teeth from Injury
Mouth guards are designed to protect your teeth, gums, and jaw from impact during sports and physical activities. They act as a cushion that absorbs shock and reduces the risk of broken teeth, cuts, and other dental injuries. Athletes of all ages benefit from wearing mouth guards during contact sports to maintain oral safety.
Mouth Guards Help Prevent Teeth Grinding Damage
Mouth guards are also used to protect against teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. Night guards help prevent enamel wear, jaw pain, and headaches caused by grinding during sleep. Wearing a custom mouth guard can reduce pressure on the teeth and improve overall comfort.
Mouth Guards Offer Custom Fit and Better Protection
Mouth guards are most effective when they are custom-made by a dental professional. Custom mouth guards provide a better fit, improved comfort, and stronger protection compared to over-the-counter options. At Smiles of Elgin, we offer personalized mouth guards designed to protect your smile and fit your lifestyle.
What type of mouth guard should I purchase for my child?
Most brands fall into three major categories: stock mouth guards, boil and bite mouth guards, and customized mouth guards.
Some points to consider when choosing a mouth guard include:
- How much money is available to spend?
- How often does the child play sports?
- What kind of sport does the child play?
In light of these points, here is an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of mouth guard:
Stock mouth guards – These mouth guards can be bought directly off the shelf and immediately fitted into the child’s mouth. The fit is universal (one-size-fits-all), meaning that that the mouth guard doesn’t adjust. They are very cheap and easy to fit. Pediatric dentists favor this type of mouth guard least, as it provides minimal protection, obstructs proper breathing and speaking, and tends to be uncomfortable.
Boil and bite mouth guards – These mouth guards are usually made from thermoplastic. First, the thermoplastic must be immersed in hot water to make it pliable, and then it must be pressed on the child’s teeth to create a custom mold. Boil and bite mouth guards are slightly more expensive than stock mouth guards, but tend to offer more protection, feel more comfortable in the mouth, and allow for easy speech production and breathing.
Customized mouth guards – These mouth guards offer the greatest degree of protection, and are custom-made by the dentist. First, the dentist makes an impression of the child’s teeth using special material, and then the mouth guard is constructed over the mold. Customized mouth guards are more expensive and take longer to fit, but are more comfortable.
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