From saturday morning football to rugby, hockey and martial arts, sport is brilliant for children. But it does come with a risk of knocks to the mouth. A good mouth guard is one of the simplest ways to protect your child’s smile. Here is what parents need to know.
Dental injuries are among the most common sports injuries in children. A knock can chip, crack or knock out a tooth, and injuries to young adult teeth can have long-lasting effects. A well-fitting mouth guard absorbs and spreads the force of an impact, protecting teeth, lips, gums and jaw.
Mouth guards are compulsory at competitive level in sports such as rugby, hockey, boxing and many martial arts. We also recommend them for football, basketball, cricket (especially when batting or keeping wicket), netball, lacrosse, skateboarding, horse riding and any sport where a fall or collision is possible.
Shop-bought and boil-and-bite guards are cheap and easy to find, but they rarely fit well. They can be bulky and loose, make breathing and talking harder, and are often left in the kit bag because they are uncomfortable.
Custom-made guards are made from a precise scan or impression of your child’s teeth. They fit snugly, stay in place, and are comfortable enough that children actually wear them. They also offer better protection.
Custom guards come in a wide range of colours and designs, so your child can match their team kit. A guard they like the look of is a guard they are more likely to wear.
As children lose baby teeth and adult teeth come through, their mouth guard may stop fitting properly. Bring it along to their check-ups and we will check the fit. Most children need a new guard every year or two as they grow.
Sports mouth guards are not usually available on the NHS. At castle street, custom sports mouth guards start from £119.
Call us on 01494 527 971 to book a mouth guard fitting for your child. Let us know their sport and favourite colours when you book.
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