How do I choose a mouthguard for my child?
Choose a mouthguard that your child feels is comfortable. If a mouthguard feels bulky or interferes with speech to any great degree, it is probably not appropriate for your child. Many parents choose an over-the-counter mouthguard because they are unaware of the benefits of custom made mouthguards. It is rare that an over-the-counter mouthguard will fit a child properly, resulting in improper use and wear. There are many options in mouthguards. Most guards are found in athletic stores. These vary in comfort, protection as well as cost. The least expensive tend to be the least effective in preventing oral injuries. Customized mouth guards can be provided through our practice at a very reasonable cost. Also, several options are available in customizing such as variety of colors, sizes, thicknesses and break-away straps. They may be a bit more expensive, but they are much more comfortable and shock absorbent.
Choose a mouthguard that your child can wear comfortably. A mouthguard that is custom made to fit your child by a professional such as your Pediatric Dentist is best, but any mouthguard is better than no mouthguard. What you don’t want is to have a mouthguard that feels bulky or interferes with speech, because such mouthguards will most likely be left in the locker room where they do no good.
