If you have a child who is active in sports, it’s important to invest in a mouthguard to help protect their teeth and mouth. Mouthguards can protect your child from injuries to the teeth and gums, and just about any Saugus, MA dentist will recommend that you have one along with the rest of your safety equipment.
The Three Types of MouthGuards
Custom-Fit Mouthguard
Custom-fitted mouthguards are made by your child’s dentist to fit their mouths. They provide the most protection and the best fit. However, they are also the most expensive of all three types available. An impression of your child’s mouth is taken in the dental office and then the lab constructs a protective mouthpiece that fits their mouth perfectly. Your child’s North Boston area dentist will be able to provide this kind of mouthguard to protect from cracked teeth or knocked-out teeth.
A Stock Mouthguard
However, if you can’t afford a custom-fitted mouthpiece, you can always buy a stock mouthguard at any sporting goods store. These are pre-formed and ready to wear, but they aren’t always a good fit. For less rigorous sports, this type may be suitable. It is important to protect your child’s teeth. It’s better to have a stock variety than to not have one at all.
Boil-and-Bite
If you want a mouthguard that can be molded to adapt to your child’s mouth but you don’t want to pay for a custom-fit mouthguard, you can also purchase a boil-and-bite mouthguard. These need to be softened in boiling water before they can fit your child’s mouth. They are a better fit than most stock varieties, but they don’t fit as well as a custom-fitted one.
Contact us for More Information
For more information about choosing the right mouthguard for your child, contact Dr. Stephen Petinge at Saugus Dentist today. Dr. Petinge and his team will be happy to answer all of your questions.
