For most kids springtime brings an increase in sporting activities, which in turn increases the number of incidences of injuries including to the face and mouth. Properly fitted mouthguards have been shown to provide protection against trauma and injuries to the mouth and teeth. It has also been proven that the use of custom-fabricated mouthguards decreases the incidences of concussions.
Be it a pickup basketball game or organized sports, children participate in activities where trauma to the face may occur at any time. However, there are only a few amateur sports such as football, boxing, ice hockey, men's lacrosse, and women's field hockey that make wearing a mouthguard a strong suggestion. Boxing is the only professional sport that requires the use of mouthguards. It is Interesting to note that the sports that have the highest incidence of tooth loss are basketball and baseball. The games kids are most likely to play.
Kids do not like to wear a mouthguard for several reasons, first it makes it difficult to breath and speak, second the fit and feel is not comfortable and then there is the stigma of not being cool. In addition special considerations are necessary for mouthguards for young athletes and athletes in fixed orthodontics. The guard must compensate for tooth eruption and growth in the young adults. You dentist can see to these difficulties easily.
The American Society for Testing and Materials set the standard for protective equipment used in sports. This agency designated the 3 categories of mouthguards used today: Type I (stock) Type II (mouth-formed) Type III (custom-fabricated)
Type I mouthguards are the least expensive and offer little protection. These mouthguards can be purchased at any sporting good stores, you can take them out of the package and wear without any fitting. They are also the most cumbersome and least comfortable to wear.
Type II mouthguards are the "boil and bite" type. These are also store bought, they are extremely popular. The guard is boiled in water and an attempt is made to fit it to the mouth of the wearer.
Type III mouthguards are custom-made from impressions of the mouth. These are considered superior to the others. They afford the most protection because they are closely fitted to the teeth and mouth of the child. Due to the custom fit it is more comfortable, and it is easier to speak with it in the mouth, therefore children's compliance goes up compared to type I and II.
Mouthguards can be designed for the type of sport being played. They are important in preventing orofacial injuries as well as concussions. It is important for kids who participate in sports to protect themselves. There is no reason to risk a lifetime of dental problems when a mouthguard can offer an easy way to protect you.