6707 HWY 431 S. Suite 103 Owen's Cross Roads, AL 35763

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Benefits of Custom Mouthguards

Most people love to interact with sports, especially with their children. It is a great way for children and teens to move their bodies and create a community. In fact, kids who play sports feel more confident and have a sense of “belonging.” Parents and guardians want to support their kids as they move from one sport to another. Supporting your child also means keeping them safe. Depending on the sport, your child may need to wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth. 

Some sports require mouthguards, such as football or lacrosse. However, there are many other sports where players should use mouthguards as well. Soccer, basketball, and baseball are sports that involve moderate contact with other players. Additionally, there are sports where balls that move with high velocity. Contact and equipment can easily create a dental injury. Teeth don’t mix with elbows and bad passes.

Dentists and sports officials recommend the use of mouthguards. This is because you can avoid a large majority of sports-related dental injuries with the help of a mouthguard. 

Closeup of a custom mouthguard resting on a hand dentist in Owens Cross Roads Alabama

Types of Mouthguards

There are a few types of mouthguards that you can consider. However, some provide more protection than others. 

Stock

A stock mouthguard is a one-size-fits-all option. It is the most ready-to-use mouthguard since it is pre-formed. However, since everyone’s teeth are unique, it is difficult for stock mouthguards to fit properly. Consequently, stock mouthguards don’t provide much protection. They can also be uncomfortable and irritate the gums. 

Boil-and-Bite

Boil-and-bite mouthguards are made from a softer plastic that you can mold to your teeth under high temperatures. First, you place the mouthguard in boiling water. Then, you put the mouthguard in your mouth to mold it to your teeth. 

Custom Mouthguard

You can go to your dentist to get a custom mouthguard made. Unlike other mouthguards, your dentist will make every aspect of this mouthguard fit your child’s needs. While these are more expensive, they can give you the most protection out of any type of mouthguard. A custom mouthguard is the highest quality you can get to protect your child’s teeth. 

Why A Custom Mouthguard?

The main goal of a mouthguard is to prevent or minimize injury to the teeth and mouth. A custom mouthguard fits your child’s mouth the best, providing the highest level of protection and comfort. 

Mouthguards can protect the teeth, gums, and soft tissues of the mouth from traumatic injury. For example, your child is less likely to lose a tooth if they wear a mouthguard when hit by a stray elbow or ball. Also, if your child falls on the court or on the field, a mouthguard can help protect their mouth. When wearing a mouthguard, they decrease the chances of their teeth biting into or tearing the soft tissues in their mouth. 

Wearing a mouthguard can even reduce the severity of some head injuries. This is because the mouthguard cushions the teeth from clacking together, which can worsen the damage.