Kaden is getting ready to start is second flag football season and I just found out that it is a requirement to have a mouth guard for this particular league. Sounds like a great idea to me and I am glad that this league is safety conscious.
I must admit that I never wore a mouth guard during my playing days so I had no idea where to start. I decided to do some research and am now bringing that research to you. No need to thank me, this is what I do :).
After an abundance of research I found that there are three types of mouth guards that you can choose from.
1. Custom mouth guard – made by a Dentist
2. Mouth formed “boil and bite” mouth guard
3. Ready made or stock mouth guard.
After speaking with some football moms and getting recommendations I decided to go with the “boil and bite” mouth guard. Going to a Dentist seemed like a little much since he is not in the NFL making millions yet and I found that the stock mouth guard can often be uncomfortable does not always fit well.
The boil and bite mouth guard was about $10 and came with simple instructions for boiling and fitting. Kaden didn’t have any problems with the fitting and I got another tip from my father in-law that you can cut a little bit off of the back of both sides to make it fit a little better. Also make sure to put the mouth guard in a secure container when it is not being used so is does not lose it’s shape or form.
A trip to the store and ten minutes of work isn’t much to ensure the safety of our youth on the field. Still think a mouth guard is pointless? Here are some articles (click on links below) that might change your mind.
If you have any thoughts on mouth guards or tips on the type of mouth guard that you prefer please feel free to comment below. Until text time, keep you teeth clean and safe – #wearamouthguard.
by Stacey Atkinson