Does My Child Need A Mouth Guard While Playing Sports? Yes – And Here’s Why!

Many people use “boil and bite” mouthguards. These are plastic mouthguards that are “one size fits all.” These types of mouthguards are boiled in hot water to allow the plastic to soften. Then, when the child bites down, an impression is left in the material. The material hardens as it cools, providing a semi-custom fit.

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Wearing a boil and bite mouthguard is better than not wearing one at all. However, board certified pediatric dentists like Dr. Elias Chahine and Dr. Christina Huynh can create custom-fitted mouthguards that are superior to boil and bite mouthguards.

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Here are just a few benefits of choosing a custom-fitted mouthguard:

• Better comfort – Custom-made mouthguards have no excess material and are even in thickness. Boil and bite mouthguards can be uneven, which makes them less comfortable.
  
  
• Improved fit – Dr. Elias and Dr. Christina take detailed impressions of your child’s teeth and work with a dental lab to fabricate a custom sports mouthguard. This type of mouthguard results in a much better fit, and ensures that your child can breathe properly and stay comfortable during their sport.
  
  
• Enhanced protection – Custom-built mouthguards use stronger materials and are more durable, which means they provide more cushioning and protection compared to off-the-shelf sports mouthguards.
  
  
• Longer lifespan – Since custom-fitted sports mouthguards are made of more durable materials, they last longer than boil and bite mouthguards, which are prone to wearing out and failing more quickly.