If you have a student-athlete in Bergen County, you know how important sports can be – from Friday night football games to weekend lacrosse tournaments. But with all the excitement comes one big responsibility: protecting your child’s smile.
At Midland Park Family Dentistry, we want parents to understand what’s required in New Jersey high school sports and why investing in the right mouthguard can make all the difference.
Which Sports Actually Require Mouthguards?
New Jersey follows the guidelines set by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). This means mouthguards are mandatory in:
- Football
- Field hockey
- Ice hockey
- Lacrosse
- For wrestling, anyone with braces must wear a mouthguard, too.
What about other sports like basketball, baseball, softball or soccer? They don’t require a mouthguard by rule, but they’re still high-risk for dental injuries. A stray elbow or line-drive ball can cause serious damage in an instant.
Why the Store-Bought Guard Doesn’t Cut It
Most teens grab a “boil-and-bite” guard from the local sporting goods store. They’re cheap and quick, but here’s the reality:
- They rarely fit well and are often too bulky.
- Talking and breathing can be harder.
- They don’t absorb shock as well.
- That poor fit means the guard can fall out or worse, fail to protect when your child takes a hit.
The Case for Custom Mouthguards
Parents tell us the same thing over and over: once their kids try a custom mouthguard, they actually wear it because it’s comfortable! A custom mouthguard made in our office changes everything. It’s:
- Precision-fit to your child’s teeth for comfort and stability
- Slim but strong, making it easier to breathe and speak during play
- Durable, lasting a full season or longer
- Safe for braces, so orthodontic work stays protected
Our Student-Athlete Program
We love supporting local athletes. That’s why Midland Park Family Dentistry offers a Student-Athlete Mouthguard Program with discounted pricing. We can even customize guards in school colors or add a team logo for some extra spirit.
When you think about the cost of dental injuries, a custom-fit mouthguard is a small investment that pays off. It’s one of the easiest ways to keep your child’s smile safe so they can focus on the game, not their teeth.
Protect your child’s smile this season. Midland Park Family Dentistry is offering custom-fit mouthguards for a discounted fee of $200 through October. Call (201) 447-5555 to schedule a custom mouthguard fitting at Midland Park Family Dentistry.