A Mouthguard protects not only you teeth from impact during sport activities, if properly fitted it distributes force evenly throughout the entire mouth with the change to protect you from injuries to the rest of the head that may include broken jaws and concussions.

Still it is estimated that there are more than 5 million teeth knocked out every year, and 13%-39% of dental injuries are sports related. If this is not convincing you and your kids to wear a mouthguard, how about approximately $500 million spent to replace those teeth each year.

How Serious are Mouth Injuries?

Mouth injuries are very serious for different reasons. Next to be extremely painful mouth injuries may be hard to treat. Jaw and joint injury may require surgery in conjunction with general anesthesia, if severe, the patient may be hospitalized and the jaw will be wired shut for around thirty days in order to properly heal.

Lost teeth or broken teeth can be as painful as a broken jaw.

Mouthguards in general will help you to prevent injury to the mouth, teeth, lips, cheeks and the tongue.

The Mouthguards Should Be Worn In Sports Such As:

Acrobatics Basketball, Boxing, Discus Throwing, Field Hockey, Football, Gymnastics, Handball, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Material Arts, Skateboarding and many others.

Sport related injury currently account for three times more facial or dental injuries then violence or traffic accidents.

Since it became a requirement in high school and collage football to wear a mouthguard during practice sessions and in competition, the injuries to the mouth dropped from around 50% to less then 0.6%..

Why Don't Children Wear Mouthguards:

The parents may be uninformed about the level of injuries; in the sports there kids are involved. There also may be no enforcement from the schools.

Another consideration may be cost

Uninformed coaches, or not aware, of the importance of mouthguards

Different Types of Mouthguards:

1. Stock Mouthguard:

Is what the name suggest “STOCK”. These guards come in three sizes, small,  medium and large. It is possible since these guards are stock that the fit may be a concern. These guards can be bulky and make breathing and talking difficult. Because your mouth needs to be closed in order to hold them into place.

2. Boil and Bite:

Hot water is used to soften the plastic this takes only up to 45 seconds, transferred to cold water and your child, or you, can bite into the guard modeling the guard, to his or her teeth. This type of guard is widely used by athletes. If the fit is not comfortable the first time these guards can be reheated and refitted. Replace frequently.

3. Custom Mouthguards:

These mouthguards are custom made by your dentist for your mouth. They may have the best fit, comfort and protection because they are custom made for you. However your child is still growing it is important to understand that the dentist not only evaluate your child for his or her sport activity but also to check if the custom made mouthguard is fitting well over time. Your child may need a replacement ever so often over time.

Remember any mouthguard is better then having none.

It is important to understand that a mouthguard needs to be replaced if there is any abrasion within your mouth or the guard is not fitting as well. The mouthguard should be replaced as soon as it becomes distorted.

Cleaning Mouthguards:

You may clean you guard with soap or any denture cleaner or use tooth paste. Clean after each use to eliminate bacteria growth and thereby eliminate bad odor.