First, there’s the challenge of finding the mini-display of mouth guards at the mega-supply sports store. Then, into the nitty gritty of choice. Back and forth you go, “If I am a really caring parent, I’ll buy the most expensive one or the one that has the most claims on its packaging. But wait, Sam has braces. Ouch! The price just went through the roof. Is the mouth of a teenager, a child or an adult? There is no way I trust the opinion of the boy employee taking practice shots in the b’ball display. We are talking about the future of my athlete’s teeth. Help!”

What starts out as a quick shopping trip to knock off another item on the equipment list can turn into a massive decision about the future of your teenager’s shining smile. I can’t be the only confused parent.

Why DO athletes need to wear mouth guards? After checking with the expert,  The American Dental Association (ADA), it is clear that mouth guards are an essential equipment item for anyone playing a contact sport. A “properly fitted mouth protector” will:

• cushion a blow to the face
• limit the risk of chipped or broken teeth, nerve damage to a tooth or even tooth loss
• protect the soft tissue in your mouth

Notice, there is no mention of  mouth guards preventing concussions. Theories on the “potential benefits of properly fitted athletic mouthguards and the reduction in the incidence of the severity of concussions” is just that – a theory. It has yet to be proven. Mouth guards are all about protecting our teens’ face and mouth when they get that blow to the head.

Back to choice. There are 3 types of mouth guards with a range of prices.

1. Stock ($1.00 – $15.00)
2. Boil and Bite  ($5.99 – $40.00)
3. Custom-fitted from a dentist ($100. – $300.)

Stock Mouthguard Pros: cost Cons: least protective, lack retention, can interfere with speech & breathing	Boil & Bite Mouthguard Pros: most commonly used, so easy to find Cons: come in limited sizes, wear quickly & unevenly,bulky; athletes often cut them which means it is not protecting the back teeth
Vacuum Custom made Mouthguard Pros: meet all criteria for fit, comfort & stability; no effect on speech or breathing Cons: cost; and, replacing these gets expensive TIP* If you choose the custom route, make sure they add a lanyard to attach to athlete’s helmet. Decreases odds of losing it.	Pressure Laminated custom made Same as Vacuum style

And, these are the glory years for wearing braces. Read the fine print on the package to make sure the mouth guard is for the teen with braces. Boil and bite and custom mouth guards are not a choice for kids with braces. Additionally, many orthodontists will provide you with a “braces mouthguard” if you ask.  It’s the least they can do given the fees we’re all shelling out.

Bottom line, your athlete will only reap the benefits of a mouth guard if it fits properly.   The ADA says, “A properly fitted mouth protector will stay in place while you are wearing it, making it easy for you to talk and breathe.” If possible… check you athlete’s mouthguard for wear…from a safe distance and not right after a grueling game. If it is flimsy and worn out, time to replace it.

Happy shopping.