What are athletic mouth protectors and when should my child wear one?
Athletic mouth protectors, or mouth guards, are made of soft plastic. They are adapted to fit comfortably to the shape of the upper teeth. They protect not just the teeth, but the lips, cheeks and tongue. They also protect against jaw fractures and other more serious oral injuries. Children should wear mouth guards whenever they are involved in activities with risk of falls or of head contact with other players or equipment. Research shows that most oral injuries occur when athletes are not wearing mouth protection. So, make sure your child athlete is well protected!
