Five Reasons Why Your Child (or You) Should Have A Custom-Fitted Mouth Guard

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends the use of mouth guards in 27 sports/exercise activities. If your kids (or you) are involved in any sort of sports or exercise activity where contact with another player, a ball, or the ground is possible, ask us about having a custom-fitted mouth guard made for them. Here are some reasons why this is so important:

Reduce Injury to Teeth, Mouth and Gums

The American Dental Association (ADA) estimates that athletes who don’t wear mouth guards are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injury than those who do and that “a full third of all dental injuries are sports related.” Properly fitted mouth guards protect the soft tissues of the cheeks, gums and tongue by covering the sharp surfaces of the teeth that can cause lacerations on impact. They also reduce the potential for tooth injury, jaw damage or jaw joint fracture and displacement by cushioning against impact, absorbing and distributing the forces that can cause serious injury.

Reduce Risk of Concussion

The risk of playing sports without a mouth guard aren’t just limited to injuries to the teeth, mouth or gums. According to a study in the peer-reviewed journal, General Dentistry, you may be able to significantly reduce their risk of a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), better known as a concussion with a custom-fitted mouth guard.

Not All Mouth Guards Created Equally

There are three basic categories of mouth guards. Stock mouth guards come in limited sizes; they’re relatively inexpensive, but they provide the least level of protection. “Boil and bite” mouth guards can be customized after purchase to the wearer’s bite, but they don’t always provide complete coverage of back teeth.

Custom mouth guards are designed by Dr. Morrison and made from a unique impression of your child's teeth. They’re more expensive, but provide the highest level of protection from injuries. Our mouth guards are made from the highest quality dental-grade material and provide a comfortable and flawless fit. Because they hug the teeth, they won't fly out when your child falls or is tackled. They are also durable and will offer consistent thickness for shock absorption. 

Custom Mouth Guards More Likely to be Worn

Custom-made mouth guards allow athletes to breathe easy, communicate clearly, and even hydrate with it in place - making it more likely they are worn. Custom-fitted mouth guards are also advised for a child with braces because they won’t interfere with orthodontic treatment.

Cost of Injury vs. Cost of Mouth Guard

A mouth guard properly fitted in our office costs little in comparison to the cost of treatment after a dental injury, or other injury such as a concussion or broken jaw.

As you get your child ready for Summer and Fall sports, consider coming in to have a custom-made and properly fitted mouth guard made for your child to lower the injury risk to their mouth and brain. Find out if your dental insurance will cover the cost of the mouth guard. If you are uninsured, consider our in-office dental savings plan, which provides 15% off the cost of the mouth guard.

If you have questions about mouth guards, or would like to schedule an appointment with us to have an expertly-fitted mouth guard made for your child, contact our office today at 919 755 3450.

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