This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Sports Mouthguards For Spring

Spring Sports call for Mouthguards!

As we have the weather warming and are thinking Spring, it is also time to think about mouthguards for our sports players. Mouthguards come in several different styles and prices. They are very important for protecting the teeth, lips, cheeks, jaws and tongue.

The following is some sound information from the Michigan Dental Association about mouthguards and our kids.

Be a Good Sport about Mouthguards
If you child plays sports, even non-contact sports, a mouthguard is an important part of their protective gear. The most injured area of the body during contact sports is the mouth and dental injuries can be permanent, painful and costly. A mouthguard covers the upper teeth and helps to prevent injuries to the teeth, lips, cheeks, tongue and jaw.

Find out what's happening in Royal Oakwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


While there are three kinds of mouthguards available, you should talk to your dentist about which one will provide the most protection for your child:

Stock or ready-made mouthguards – least expensive, can be bought at most sports stores, pre-formed and ready to wear. Poor fit, difficult to breathe and speak, bulky, loose or uncomfortable.

Boil-and-bite mouthguards – can be bought at most sporting goods stores, better fit than stock mouthguards, molded to fit by boiling the mouthguard in water and then biting into the warm plastic.

Custom-fitted mouthguards – individually designed and constructed by your dentist, more comfortable, does not interfere with speech or breathing. A bit more expensive than other types.

Find out what's happening in Royal Oakwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Mouthguards should be rinsed under cold water after each use and occasionally cleaned with soap and cool water. Like other sports gear, mouthguards can tear or wear out, so it should be replaced after each sports season. Talk to your dentist about the right mouthguard for your child.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?