In recognition of National Youth Sports Safety Month, Delta Dental of Oklahoma has free mouthguards available for youth athletes across the state.

Oklahoma parents, coaches and league commissioners can secure free mouthguards for athletes under the age of 18 by submitting a request online. The deadline for requests is April 30, 2025, or while supplies last. Orders will be delivered in June.

"Every year, thousands of children suffer from oral injuries like tooth loss and soft-tissue damage while practicing or playing youth sports. Wearing a mouthguard can help prevent these injuries," said John Gladden, chairman, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Oklahoma. "Through this statewide initiative, we hope to empower kids to wear mouthguards and protect their smiles.”

Oral injuries during youth sports are unfortunately common. Athletes who do not wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to damage their teeth.

“While mouthguards have been proven to dramatically decrease the risk of sport-related oral injuries, the majority of youth sports in Oklahoma don’t require athletes to wear mouthguards,” said Terrisa Singleton. “Whether your child is hitting baseballs, shooting soccer goals or even skateboarding, wearing a mouthguard should be an essential part of their uniform.”

The microwaveable, moldable mouthguards are available in a variety of styles and sizes for athletes up to 18 years old. The mouthguards come with or without a strap and in two different sizes, adult (ages 11-18) and child (ages 10 and under). Mouthguards with straps are recommended for sports that utilize helmets, such as football or ice hockey, while strapless mouthguards are ideal for any sport.

In 2024, DDOK distributed nearly 58,000 mouthguards to youth in Oklahoma, including athletes in sports that traditionally don’t require mouthguards. DDOK nearly tripled its distribution to baseball and softball players.

For more information or to register your league/team for mouthguards, visit DDOKFoundation.org/mouthguards.