When your child is in the middle of blocking a pass or making a shot, the last thing they are focused on is protecting their smile. To keep their teeth safe, many parents shop for protective mouth guards, but not all athletic safety gear is created equally. Here are three reasons to talk with your children’s dentist about a customized athletic mouth guard. 

Benefits of Professionally Made Mouth Guards

1. Convenience

Although it is possible to buy athletic mouth guards in sporting goods stores, the do-it-yourself variety can be a hassle to set up. While some require parents to create at-home impressions  of their children’s teeth by boiling the mouth guard to soften the material, others aren’t customizable at all, resulting in discomfort for the wearer. On the other hand, children’s dentists can quickly and efficiently take molds of your child’s teeth to create form-fitting mouth guards without any effort on your part. 

2. Comfort 

Mouth guards made by children’s dentists tend to be far more comfortable since your dentist can account for your kid’s individual anatomy, chosen sport, and gum line. Comfort improves wearer compliance and reduces risks. 

3. Safety

Professionally made mouth guards have been shown to be more effective than over-the-counter guards. One study showed that dentist-made mouth guards were better at absorbing impact, which actually helped to reduce concussions. Customized mouth guards also help to reduce oral lacerations and friction injuries.

If your children love sports, invest in their safety by booking an appointment with Pediatric Dental Group in Honolulu, HI, to have them fitted for an athletic mouth guard. These children’s dentists have provided dental care to children across Oahu since 1966, and can help your loved ones keep their teeth safe on and off the playing field. To learn more about their services, send them a message online or give them a call at (808) 593-8828.