Did you know that the American Dental Association (ADA) estimates that young athletes who don’t wear mouth guards are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injury and trauma than those who do?  Mouth guards are now required in school-based football, ice hockey, lacrosse and field hockey.  However, the ADA also highly recommends that mouth guards be used in many other sports and activities including:

• Basketball
• Baseball
• Soccer
• Gymnastics
• Skateboarding
• Volleyball
• Wrestling
• Skiing
• Bicycling
• Rugby
• Water polo
• Weightlifting

Mouth guards are essential to reduce the risk of dental trauma and injuries…and more.

Among all of the injuries treated at pediatric dental offices like ours, it’s estimated that over 25% are sports-related, with the majority of those involving the top front teeth.  In addition to the immediate trauma, sports-related dental and facial injuries can result in lost time from school and substantial cost – up to thousands of dollars over a lifetime to treat a missing permanent tooth.

 Recent studies suggest that mouth guards not only help to minimize dental-related trauma and injuries, but they also help to prevent concussions and neck injuries.

Why custom mouth guards?

There are several different types of mouth guards on the market – including the “off-the-shelf” variety available at sporting goods stores. This type of mouth guard comes in a limited range of sizes – and varies widely in their quality.  Although less expensive, these mouth guards must be clenched in the mouth, which can make wearing them uncomfortable and cause trouble breathing and speaking.

Similarly, the “boil and bite” mouth guards found at pharmacies are typically uncomfortable, offer inferior quality, and usually fail to provide full coverage and protection of the teeth.

At Park Smiles NYC Pediatrics, we offer custom mouth guards that are made just for the patient.  Our custom mouth guards are a piece of high-quality sports equipment that is custom-fabricated for your child’s mouth.  We start by making a model of the teeth, and then mold the protector around them for a perfect fit.  It’s made from tough, high-quality material, offering maximum protection and a superior comfort level.  The cost is quite reasonable, especially when you consider the extensive amount of protection it offers your child.

For the best protection for your child – and your peace-of-mind – schedule a consultation today with Park Smiles NYC Pediatrics to learn more about our custom-made mouth guards. Even if your child wears braces, we can still create a custom-fit mouth guard for optimal protection!

Call Us!

For the best of the best in Comprehensive Pediatric Dental Care in New York City, call Park Smiles NYC Pediatrics today at 212-461-9120.   We look forward to serving you with an unsurpassed commitment to comfort, compassion and empathetic care!