Oral trauma—such as busted lips and broken teeth—are some of the most common types of injuries that occur during athletic events. When children are involved in extracurricular activities such as football or other contact sports, the rate of these injuries skyrocket.
Wearing a protective mouthguard is a great way to help your child avoid unnecessary pain and injuries (and possibly even concussions). But not all mouthguards are created equal!
Over the Counter vs Custom Made
An over-the-counter mouthguard is made so that one size fits most. It won’t hug the teeth tightly, even if it’s a “boil and bite” type of design. So if your child accidentally hits or bumps their mouth, the appliance can slip out and won’t be there to protect them from a secondary injury.
Since stock guards are looser, they can be uncomfortable to keep in during the entire activity. Talking or hydrating may be so bothersome that kids take their mouthguards out and never put them back in.
On the other hand, a custom-fitted mouthguard will hug your child’s smile and stay in place comfortably. If they fall, bump their mouth or need to grab a drink, their protective appliance isn’t going anywhere.
The Best Protection You Can Offer
Investing in a custom-made mouthguard could be one of the best pieces of protective sports equipment that your child wears all season. Plus, if your family qualifies for Medicaid, you can have a new guard re-made each year as your child grows and their smile transitions. CDBS benefits cover up to $1000 in dental care every two years, allowing you to work an oral appliance into your regular preventative care appointments.
Cut Back on Dental Emergencies
We love seeing families and offer same-day emergency care. But ultimately, we want to help your child avoid experiencing a painful oral injury in the first place.
Get a mouthguard made for your child (or yourself) by contacting us today for a quick exam and impression! Your smile will thank you.