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SHIN GUARDS? CHECK.
HELMET? CHECK.
CLEATS? CHECK.
MOUTH GUARD? DOUBLE CHECK.
Protect Your Smile All Season Long with Custom Mouth Guards
Spring is here. And, for most of us, that means itโs full-on soccer, baseball, skateboarding, and lets-get-outside-and-do-something-athletic season. According to the Academy of Sports Dentistry, as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children ages 7 โ 11 are more likely to get a sports-related mouth injury than any other age group.
These types of injuries can range from broken teeth, injuries to your lips, tongue, and your cheek lining. Mouth guards, also known as mouth protectors, help cushion the blow reducing these risks. Whatโs interesting is that there are a few different types of mouth guards out there. Which is why choosing the right one can be a little trickier than youโd expect.
Hereโs a breakdown of the different types of mouth guards:
Custom-made
A custom mold is created in your dentist or orthodontistโs office and then three to four weeks later your mouth guard is ready to be worn. These mouth guards are more expensive, but the benefit is that they fit your teeth perfectly. Meaning, theyโre more comfortable and wonโt accidentally fall out in the middle of a big moment.
Boil & Bite
These mouth guards become soft in boiling water and then you place them into your mouth where you bite down so the plastic can form to the shape of your mouth and teeth. You can get these mouth guards in Virginia Beach at any number of places like a sporting goods store or a drugstore.
Boil and bite mouth guards usually fit better than a stock mouth guard because there is some amount of customization with these. Make sure you choose a Boil and Bite mouth guard that has earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Stock Mouth Guards
These are usually very inexpensive and come ready to wear. Unfortunately, they typically donโt fit well. Also, they can make breathing and talking more difficult. What weโve noticed is that many people who have tried a stock mouth guard, eventually end up with a boil and bite mouth guard or a custom-made one.
Getting a Mouth Guard
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Yet, one thing is certain: Make sure you and your kidsโ smiles are well-protected this spring and summer โ and year-round, for that matter. You should even wear a mouth guard when youโre playing a sport you wouldnโt normally imagine needing one for, like gymnastics or skateboarding.
So, get out there and have some fun! It is Spring, after all.
If you have any questions about protecting your or your childโs smile, please call or text us at (757) 224-3004 or schedule a free consultation. At ICON Smile Studios, weโll do whatever we can to protect those beautiful smiles weโve all set out to achieve!ย So, come on in to keep your childโs teeth protected all year long!