Totally OT - Youth Hockey

I need help and I have no idea where to get it from!  I figured maybe there was a mom or dad on here that has had a child in hockey before!

My son Jacob starts hockey this Saturday and for the life of me I can not get his mouth guard into his mouth - I bought the appropriate youth size by shock doctor but he gags like crazy every time I try to put it in his mouth!! 

Is it acceptable to shorten (cut) the back ends of the mouth guard?

Maybe there will be nobody here who has a clue but I had to try! Heh.

Hi, I know the feeling.  My son can't handle the whole mouthguard either, not all boys have the same size mouths.  It's fine to cut it down.  Shock Doctor doesn't show you, but other mouthguards will tell you to cut it.  I cut my son's down last year as he did the same.  He was fine with it cut.  My son does chew his mouthguard so I ended up replacing it mid year for him.  I also kept an eye for any loose bits that were chewed, and cut them off as we went.

Some will say that custom mouthguards are better, but I just used the Shock Doctor last year, and am using it again this year.

Hope your son has fun at Hockey this year!

Cathy

Thanks so much!!  That was really helpful - I cut down the back ends and we got it to fit! I heard that the custom mouth guards were better but this is just Tyke hockey and not very serious hard core playing so I'll avoid that cost until I absolutely have to!  Heh.

Thanks again!

Jacob will have a great season in Tykes, mine is 1st year Novice.  He had a great time year last year.  Enjoy the games, and the other parents.

Cathy

If and when you do decide to go for a custom guard, look around in your area.  There are some dental hygienists who practice independently from dentists and make mouth guards for a reasonable price.

 Most hockey organizations hold a mouth guard clinic.  We always get the customized ones and they are much easier for the kids as they fit like a glove.  

Char

My son has a really bad gag reflex - no matter how much we trimmed he couldn't handle it and we had to get one from the dentist.  It was covered by my group health, which surprised me.  Another year one of the dad's was a dentist and he supplied all the boys with free ones. 

Thanks Ladies - I just emailed our dental office just to inquire about the cost of a mouth guard made  by them - let's see what they say.   : )

 I have two boys in hockey, I volunteer for my association and am registrar.  With that said, I would agree with what most people said with the custom made mouthguard, but I have found that my youngest is a chewer and has ruined many mouth guards in that fashion.  Also, this is one of the many things that either get lost, forgotten or misplaced.  

Another thing to consider is that when your child loses teeth you will want to change the mouthguard as it will no longer fit as well.  I have found some mouthguards that are fairly affordable and keep extra on hand in case of emergency.  

I have 3 boys in hockey and they all chew the crap out of them.   We've tried custom and most of the kinds you can buy at any sports store.  Recently we find the Tap Out Mouth guards are the most effective for not falling to bits.  I had 2 that really resisted the mouth guards because of a strong gag reflex.  So we made it fun for them calling them " hockey teeth"  and made them wear it on and off for a couple of days around the house.  We also attach it to the helmet so if they want to spit it out they can.  If your son is 4-5 they aren't really strict with the little ones for wearing them.  It does however cut down on the sound of the crying as they flail around the ice...Been there, done that!
Good Luck,
 
Donna