Every spring sporting activities increase and so do trauma to the mouth of children. These injuries could greatly decrease if children were wearing properly fitted mouthguards. In fact, the use of custom-fabricated mouthguards not only protect teeth and mouths it decreases the likelihood of a concussion as well.

Children participate in activities where injuries to the face may occur at any time, from a pickup basketball game to organized team sports. It is interesting to note that only a few amateur sports such as football, boxing, ice hockey, men’s lacrosse, and women’s field hockey require the use of mouthguards. These sports nowdays have fewer injuries and tooth loss than basketball and baseball. It is important that parents be informed of the benefits of wearing mouthguards.

Kids do not like to wear a mouthguard for several reasons, first it makes it difficult to breath and speak, second the fit and feel is not comfortable and then there is the stigma of not being cool. In addition special considerations are necessary for mouthguards for young athletes and athletes in fixed orthodontics. The guard must compensate for tooth eruption and growth in the young adults. You dentist can see to these difficulties easily.

There are three basic categories of mouthguards. They include: Type I (stock) Type II (mouth-formed) Type III (custom-fabricated)

Type I mouthguards are inexpensive but offer the little protection. They are available at sporting good stores, and can be worn straight out of the package without any modification. They are also the most cumbersome and least comfortable.

Type II mouthguards are the “boil and bite” type. These are also store bought, they are extremely popular. The guard is boiled in water and an attempt is made to fit it to the mouth of the wearer.

Type III mouthguards are custom-made from impressions of the mouth. These are considered superior to the others. They afford the most protection because they are closely fitted to the teeth and mouth of the child. Due to the custom fit it is more comfortable, and it is easier to speak with it in the mouth, therefore children’s compliance goes up compared to type I and II.

Mouthguards are usually designed for the type of sport being played. They are crucial in preventing teeth and mouth injuries as well as concussions. Children prefer mouthguards that are comfortable, soft, and resilient, which is the characteristic of a custom-fitted mouthguard. It is important for those who participate in sports to have proper protection. There is no reason to risk a lifetime of dental problems when a mouthguard can give children the protection they need.