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Original poster

Gum shields -advice please !

36 replies

MaryAnnSingleton · 07/09/2008 11:41

trying to fit ds' gum shield but it makes him gag and he won't put it right in his mouth - I tried on me and it did make me gag a bit and obviously ds' mouth is smaller...can you trim them ? I have suggested he plays around with it,getting used to putting it in his mouth and gradually putting it further in before we can fit it properly. Failing that, would our dentist do it,do you think ? he was getting v stressed and dh was getting cross - arghh !

OP posts:
Original poster
MaryAnnSingleton · 07/09/2008 14:13

thanks NL3 - he is 11 and still has milk teeth as well as adult teeth

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NL3 · 07/09/2008 13:29

you can get them done by the dentist. There is also a company called opro that carries out visits to schools and rugby, hockey, boxing clubs (www.opro.co.uk) where they take an impression (they do home kits as well)and then send you out the mouthguard. Excpect to pay about £40 for this. Agree with previous posters about getting a good quality one - the cost of fixing the broken teeth after the fact is prohibitive. Boil and bite ones are ok for beginners and younger children who are still losing their teeth.
hth

3littlefrogs · 07/09/2008 12:29

Ah - ok. Mine is a regular rugby player - he plays for the school and his local club, so obviously his chances of injury are obviously higher! In fact he is playing later today, so will arrive home covered with at least an inch thickness of mud all over.

Original poster
MaryAnnSingleton · 07/09/2008 12:27

ds is unlikely to be a big football/rugby player as he is totally unsporty and the last person to get into any contact sports, but obviously accidents can happen..will see what's what in the next few weeks

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3littlefrogs · 07/09/2008 12:25

Even £40 is a good deal when you consider the cost of orthodontic work if the teeth get broken! With so little dentistry available on the NHS, everything costs a fortune.

Freckle · 07/09/2008 12:23

Do be prepared to fork out though. When DS2 had his gumshield done by a dentist organised by his rugby club it cost £25 (because there were loads of boys to fit). When our dentist did it, it cost £40!

Original poster
MaryAnnSingleton · 07/09/2008 12:21

mmm, think that miht be the solution for us..will give this a little more practice and if not working will see dentist - thanks all

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3littlefrogs · 07/09/2008 12:17

The only gum shields that are any good are the ones made by the dentist. Even if he gags a bit, at least the shield will fit properly and will be effective, so it will have been worthwhile.

Original poster
MaryAnnSingleton · 07/09/2008 12:15

thanks freckle - just noticed your reply after I'd bumped this..

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Original poster
MaryAnnSingleton · 07/09/2008 12:15
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Freckle · 07/09/2008 12:14

Dentists will fit gum shields, but they have to take an impression of the teeth first. DS2 has thrown up 3 times getting an impression taken - fortunately we know to warn the dentist now!