mouthguards?

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May 6, 2015
2,397
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both DDs catch in rec ball, DD1 (14u) mostly as a backup/occasionally, DD2 (10u) whenever allowed, and DD2 just joined a travel team, but will probably be used only as backup catcher.

question is how many catcher's wear (or are made to wear by parents or coaches or organizations) mouthguards? I ask because DW and I are discussing this for our girls, both for catching and for regular fielding, pitching, hitting (ie we may make different decision for each activity). I know the girls will push back especially for catching, pitching, and hitting, saying their mouth is already protected.

the reason for the discussion is that many teeth injuries are not result of the impact to the face from an object, but the teeth banging together, so helmets/masks cannot protect for this.

thought I would see what consensous was (if there was one) for catchers.
 
Dec 6, 2016
70
18
I'm a big advocate for mouthguards...especially for the catcher. And only for one reason. If there happens to be a collision at the plate, a mouthguard SIGNIFICANTLY reduces the risk of a concussion. I'm all for reducing head injuries for our kids!
 
Feb 12, 2014
648
43
My DD has a $6000 smile so when the braces came off, we continued our mandatory mouthguard policy which she had while she wore her braces. She wears a model that is recommended and custom fit by her orthodontist. However, we don't make her wear it when she catches or hits. Just in the field because she does not wear a mask. When she catches, she never takes the mask off for any reason. It stays on from the time she leaves the dugout until she comes back to the dugout.
 
Feb 12, 2014
648
43
I'm a big advocate for mouthguards...especially for the catcher. And only for one reason. If there happens to be a collision at the plate, a mouthguard SIGNIFICANTLY reduces the risk of a concussion. I'm all for reducing head injuries for our kids!

You're exactly right. Time to reconsider our policy.
 
Nov 18, 2013
2,255
113
I'm a big advocate for mouthguards...especially for the catcher. And only for one reason. If there happens to be a collision at the plate, a mouthguard SIGNIFICANTLY reduces the risk of a concussion. I'm all for reducing head injuries for our kids!

I'm curious about mouthguards helping to prevent concussions. I'd always heard that was a myth, but maybe there's something new on the market that actually does help? I think the protection they offer for tooth and mouth injuries is enough to warrant wearing one. I just think people should know what they're really protecting against.
 

collinspc

Softball Dad
Apr 23, 2014
213
18
Pittsburgh PA
DD was out of sports for 5 plus months due to a concussion. Concussion Specialist at AGH recommended using a mouth-guard in basketball and softball. The mouth-guard acts as a shock absorber in a hit to the jaw, doesn't allow the lower jaw to slam against the upper jaw lessening the risk of a concussion. This could be from a collision or a ball that gets under a mask or one that hits someone not wearing a mask.

DD caught a game that she didn't have the neck guard on her helmet and took a foul ball under the mask and chipped a tooth. She has used a mouthguard in softball and basketball ever since. DS also uses a mouth guard in baseball, basketball and hockey (required to play in hockey). If fitted properly they have no trouble communicating and breathing.

While I don't believe the mouth guard will prevent a concussion, it may reduce the risk and they certainly reduce the risk of tooth and mouth injury.
 
Last edited:
May 6, 2015
2,397
113
thanks for the feedback, think we are going to make them wear them while catching at very least (biggest potential for ball to head (even with helmet) or collision.
 

softgabby

Gear Empress
Mar 10, 2016
1,073
83
Just behind home plate
I wear a mouth guard all the time when I'm on the field. I didn't wear one while I was a pitcher. But, I started wearing one when I became a catcher. I started wearing one before I got my braces last summer. It was a sisu mouth guard. I really liked wearing it. It was really comfortable for me to wear. I could yell without my voice becoming garbled and distorted. Since I got braces, I started wearing a shock doctor mouthgaurd specifically for braces. I like it. It's comfortable but I have a harder time communicating to my fielders with it in.

I like the idea of preventing injuries especially if you are concussion prone or if you are a braces wearer. I think they should be mandatory... Especially if you don't wear a face guard.
 
Jan 26, 2015
124
0
NE Kansas
I wear a mouth guard all the time when I'm on the field. I didn't wear one while I was a pitcher. But, I started wearing one when I became a catcher. I started wearing one before I got my braces last summer. It was a sisu mouth guard. I really liked wearing it. It was really comfortable for me to wear. I could yell without my voice becoming garbled and distorted. Since I got braces, I started wearing a shock doctor mouthgaurd specifically for braces. I like it. It's comfortable but I have a harder time communicating to my fielders with it in.

I like the idea of preventing injuries especially if you are concussion prone or if you are a braces wearer. I think they should be mandatory... Especially if you don't wear a face guard.

My DD has mentioned wearing one. I was glad to see feedback from a fellow catcher. She was worried about being heard and understood by the fielders. I think I'll have to bring it up in a convo again soon.
 

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